History of Horne Memorial Methodist Church, Clayton, North Carolina, 1859-1959

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THE HISTORY OF HORNE MEMORIAL METHODIST
CHURCH, CIAYTON, NORTH CAROLINA,
1859-1959
Clayton, N.C. Home Manorial Methodist
Church. Wesleyan Service Guild
North Carolina State Library
Raleiqh
'Behold. I stand at the door and knock."
Revelation 3:20
I he History oi
Home riemorial I'letnoaist (jniircn
Javton, IMortli v Carolina
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/historyofhornemeOOwesl
Tke
History
of
llorne iHemorial /Methodist Onurcn
I Jayton, iMorth Uarolina
1859-1959
by
I he \\ eslevan oervice Uuilo
F( )R
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Sunday, April 12, 1959
: '
Ulcsleoan ^rriitrr (Swift Qlumpiles History
rhc Weslcyan Service Guild gives to employed women of the
church an opportunt) to fellowship, to have a definite part in the
work of the Woman's Society of Christian Service, and to enrich their
spiritual lives.
The Guild of Hornc Memorial Methodist Church began in Jan-uary
1943.' Mrs. Carl YV. Barbee, wife of the minister at that time, was
responsible for the organization, and site was installed as the first
president. Other presidents were as follows: Mrs. Gordon Pruden,
Mrs. Shelbon Hall, Mrs. E. W. O'Neil, Mrs. V. M. Holland (elected
hut unable to serve) . Mrs. Ernestine Butler. Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh,
Mrs. James T. Vinson, Mis. Garland Young, and Miss Virginia Satter-field.
Although the Guild is only sixteen years old. it has been one
of the most active units of our church, and during the years has under-taken
several outstanding projects. We have contributed many times
to needy families in the community, and have sent packages overseas.
For several years we have made quarterly donations to the Children's
Division of out Church School. We have also presented Life Member-ships
in the Woman's Society of Christian Service to Mrs. Y. M.
Holland, Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh, Mrs. fames T. Vinson, and Mrs.
Garland Young.
One oi our happiest experiences has been the compiling of this
histoiA ol our chinch. We hope you enjoy it, and may it mean as
much to you now and in the years to come as it means and will
continue to mean to us.
Church History Committee
Miss Sarah Richardson, Chin.
Mrs. Ernestine Butler
Mrs. Shelbon Hall
Miss Virginia L. Satterfield
Mrs. fames T. Vinson
Mrs. Garland Young
Two
7he MinUi^ui oi the Gkutck
Bishop Paul \. Garber
The Methodist Church
Richmond Area
Richmond, Virginia
The Reverend Graham Eubanks
Distru t Superintendent
Raleigh District
The Rev. Clyde H. Dunn
Home Memorial Methodist Church
Clavton, North Carolina
TJnee
MeMacfe j^nxmi au/i MimlieA,
The first impression received upon arriving at our appointment
in Clayton was the friendliness of the community. This first impres-sion
is one that has become fixed and permanent after living in Clay-ton
and becoming a part of it. Clayton has indeed been a home for
us. This is not only because of the friendships which we have made
but also because it is the birthplace of two of our three boys.
Home Memorial Methodist Church also has a very important
place in our lives. I have been impressed by the deep loyalty and de-votion
ol so many of the faithful members. Even though there is a
segment of inactive members, 1 am continually grateful for the sup-port
which has been given me during my years as pastor of this
church.
In a few months we will be leaving the United States to serve
among a people of a different race and a different tongue. As we go to
Southeast Asia to proclaim the "unsearchable riches of Christ," we shall
take with us the love and concern of the people of this community
and this church. The joyous experiences and rich fellowships which
we have had will abide with us always.
Clyde H. Dunn
Home Memorial Methodist
Church
Clayton, North Carolina
1956-1959
I'oil)
HORNE MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH
1859 - 1959
One hundred years ago, April 1859, a new child was born to the
Methodist Episcopal Chinch, South. This new baby, the Clayton
Methodist Church, was organized and a plot of land consisting of
one-halt acre was deeded by Joseph M. Smith on April 15. 1859, to
the newly appointed trustees: Harry Durham, Samuel S. Turner,
Lucian H. Sanders, Milliard Strickland, and William H. Meddlers.
Jr. This deed of trust, written in long hand, was subscribed to by
three witnesses to the instrument: they were Lemuel Shell, Benjamin
Trolinger, and f. Dal Smith.
fust prior to this. February 19, 1859, the quarterly conference
report of the Smithfield circuit read thus: "The following committee
was appointed a building committee to build a church at Clayton:
Harry Durham, William H. McCullers, Jr., Benjamin Trolinger, Sam-uel
Turner, and Lucian H. Sanders." At this time the Reverend Wil-liam
Clop was presiding elder, the Reverend Lucian Shell, preacher in
charge: and John R. Brooks, associate pastor.
Our first building, as erected under the leadership of these men,
was a small square frame building, without steeple, and set behind
a small grove ol oaks. While there is no available list of charter mem-bers,
there are live families now remembered, the known members
being Harry Durham. Martha Durham, Delia Durham, Emma Dur-ham.
Mr. and Mis. John W. O'Xeil. Mis. Nancy Barnes and some
of her children, Mrs. Delia A. Ellington, and the Reverend Hines
Whitaker and some ol his family.
Our first pastors, the Reverend Lucian Shell and the Reverend
John R. Brooks, 1859-61, were circuit riders with the following churches
on their circuit: Clayton, Smithfield, Elizabeth, Bentonville, Boon Hill.
Sanders's School House. Turner's School House, I). Smith's School
House, Pine Level and /ion. and Elevation. Ibis was the Smithfield
Circuit. From the minutes of the first quarterly conference of I860,
our church was apportioned §30 lor current expenses for the year!
At that same meeting, those present decided to hold the next quarter-ly
conference in Clayton, this being the first to be held in our church.
Under the leadership of the Reverend Carson Parker, preacher
(1861-62) there must have been some division in interest between home
and foreign missions, lor one of Mr. Parker's reports to quarterly con-ference
was as follows: "The Presiding elder (William Clop) brought
to the consideration of the conference our missionary apportion. On
motion it was seconded that the preacher in charge be requested to
take up a missionary collection where he may deem it proper and
that each donor designate whether they wish the money applied to
home or foreign missions."
Five
During the latter part oi 1861, |. I). Buie was added as associate
preacher. At the same time Samuel J. Turner and William Durham
were elected trusties of our Clayton church. In lSlil^, under the same
ministers, Main Durham and I.. II. Sanders were elected stewards.
N'ow, in 1863, the Reverend L. S. Burkhead, our new minister
(or circuit rule?) reported, "As I have been so short oJ time on the
circuit, I am not prepared to report the condition ol the Sabbath
School. I have received none into the church and have expelled
none."' In Jul) of the same year. 1863, lie reported that there was
onl\ one Sabbath School "in the bounds"—that he had been unable
to start others due to the state ol the country (Civil War time) ; how-ever,
he s;u'd in March 1864, "There is one Sabbath School at Smith-field
in a health) condition. Out members at Clayton are cooperat-ing
in a Union Sabbath School at that place." Mr. burkhead also
reported at this time the names of members received into full con-nection
at Clayton: W. f. Jones. Harnett A. Jones. Ellen Kllis, Lucius
Bryan. Marx J.
kllis. Pattie Pool. Amelia Pool. Jinimie Strickland,
Susan A. Rhem. Fannie E. Rhcni. Eumanius funis and Joanna Moody.
Mi. Burkhead made another report to quarterly conference on
March 12. 1864, which was very significant: "The trustees of the
Church at Clayton bee; leave to report that the church and an half
acre ol land have been properly secured to the M. E. Church, South.
by Deed. The Church is not finished: it lacks enclosing with a suit-able
finish, plastering, painting, and a stove. The trustees hope to be
able to finish the Church at some time but perhaps not until the
war ends. Respectfully submitted, I Iain Durham. S. S. Turner, I,.
II. Sanders, Milliard Strickland. Win. H. Me ( aiders. Jr."
Out preacher in charge during 1865-67 was the Reverend Joseph
Wheeler, who, in spite ol the Civil War, managed to keep the Clay-ion
Church in operation though he stated that "owing to the peculiar
and exciting times upon us, our religious interests have greatly suf-fered."
He further stated that "Three Sabbath Schools were in suc-cessful
operation at the beginning ol the year, with promise of good.
These schools have been suspended because of the passage of hostile
troops through the country. Most ol the churches have been closed
loi a time and the church at Bentonille burned. Under the providence
ol God we have resumed out labours and hope to see the work of
God revive."
Mr. Wheeler's hopes and prayers were certainl) heeded for he
reported to quarterly conference, September 30, 1866, that the fol-lowing
twenty persons had been received into the Clayton Church:
I homas Sullivant, G. W. Gulley, Madison Durham. Robert Durham,
Christopher Jones, J. W. Crocker, A. J. Ellis, Roxanna Sullivant, Tran-
Six
quilla Joins. Cornelia F. Lee, |osiah Duncan, W. H. Ellis,
f. C.
Ellis, Charles P. Lee. 1). W. Boon, George W. Ellis, Rebecca Ellis,
Etta McCullers, Mollie McCullers, and Julia A. Bryan.
Again the task of Sunday School work in Clayton came to light.
The Reverend T. Page Ricaud, 1867-68, said in a report, "We also pro-pose
to inaugurate the Sunday School work at Clayton in a few
weeks, and hope it will be successful. This same Mr. Ricaud, twelve
years later in Wilmington, North Carolina, met and led Yao-ju Soong
to Christ and arranged for his education in this country. Through
his Christian influence, his daughter who became Madame Chiang
Kai-shek converted her husband, the Generalissimo, to Christianity,
giving one of the world's oldest civilizations its first Christian leader.
Sometimes church members were reprimanded for violating
church rules. The following is a report read before quarterly con-ference
on May II, 1868. by the pastor, the Reverend A. R. Raven; it
is a good illustration of the church at that time:
"J he spiritual condition of the churches on this circuit at most
of the appointments is improving. At others the cause of religion
has been seriously injured by many of our members engaging in danc-ing
who do not only manifest no signs of penitence but contend that
it is not wrong and that it is no violation of the rides of our church
because not specified in so many words. Six members have been ex-pelled
from our chinch dining the past quarter, three for dancing
and three for drunkenness."
Dr. R. Hooker, a local preacher, was brought to account lor
drunkenness. He was permitted to make an extended statement as
to his conduct before the conference; and after making an honest con-fession
and showing a penitent spirit, he was not put on trial. He
was. however, suspended from preaching for a while.
A steward since the beginning of our church, Harry Durham re-signed
in 1869. At that time, Lucian Bryan and Eumanius Ennis were
appointed stewards. The next year J. B. Beckwith was appointed a
trustee in the place of Harry Durham.
The year 1871 brought to this Smithfield Circuit the first preacher
who stayed as long as three years, the Reverend J. E. Thompson (1871-
71) . There were times when he. as ministers today, was discouraged.
One of his reports on the state of the chinch at quarterly conference
was as follows: "I think there has been some improvement in the
condition of the Church; but I must say that as far as 1 am capable
of judging, the onward movement has been slow. We have had some
revival influence, some awakening and conversion of sinners, but this
has not been general. There are many things to be corrected in
Seven
spiritual things to which God has tailed them." He also gave these
figures for the circuit: 409 white and 5 colored members, 16 adults
and one infant baptized.
Another familiar family name appeared in a notation of our
next preacher, the Reverend James F. Smoote (1874-76) : "Three weeks
ago our church enjoyed a gracious revival influence with the Bap-tist
Church at Clayton, and three joined our church—John W. O'Neil
and wife, and Delia Durham.'' At the end of Mr. Smotte's first year,
he wrote. "We have been visited with a gracious revival influence
at six of the appointments. Between 40 and 50 have professed to
find peace by believing in Jesus."
Churches throughout these fifteen years have been chopped from
and added to the Smithfield Circuit. At this time, 187 1. it included the
following churches: Smithfield, Selma, Princeton, Zion, Sanders's School
House, Adams, Massengills, Antioch, Elizabeth, Clayton, and Eleva-tion.
Imagine one preacher in charge of so many churches, in horse
and buggy days!
The Reverend Joseph H. Wheeler, though he served only one
year, reported that a meeting of considerable interest was held during
that year, 1876-77. New members were received, but their names were
not given. Then the Reverend R. M. Brown (1877) continued in the
same trend by saying that attendance at preaching was very good and
that some good feelings were manifested. He ended by adding, "We
are hopeful of results. Brethren, pray for us." On November 2.H. 1878,
he mentioned that the church house at Clayton was being repaired to
make it more comfortable. Some of his new members are familiar
names to us: Ella Barnes. Arthur G. Smith, \V. I. Whitley, Nancy Whit-lev,
James J. Turner, and Gray Gulley.
The Sunday Schools under the Reverend P. I.. Herman (1879-
81) weie "all in tolerable state of prosperity." The superintendent
of our "prosperous" Clayton Sunday School was nines Whitaker.
The Reverend M. C. Thomas in 1881 felt that "the spiritual wel
fare of the children is a matter of prayerful, practical concern." Also
at this church conference, in going over the rolls, he found that
"there are a number who have been and are still walking disorderly,
some of whom will have to be expelled, and in the cause of discipling,
may have to be admonished." A few months later Mr. Thomas added.
"The membership is made up in good part of those who are true
and faithful to the church, having a number who are of but little
benefit to the church, and some who are none at all."
At the fourth quarterly conference in 1881. Dr. L. E. Kirkman
made a motion that the conference request the Bishop to divide the
Eight
Smithfield Circuit and put Elizabeth and Clayton in the Hannah's
Creek Mission. The motion was carried, and this was done immedi-ately.
Very little is known about our church Ik, in this time, 1881-1889,
except the nanus of the ministers: R. C. Beaman (1881), A. M. Lowe
(1882), A. E. Wiley (1883-86), B. C. Allied (1886-88), R. W. Bailey
(1888-89) . One notation of interest during this time was that Mrs.
Ida C. H. Home was church organist in bSKii. Though the records are
unavailable1
, a lew items have been gleamed from the Clayton Bud
(later the Clayton Nexus) :
"The Johnston County Sunday School Convention of the
M. E. Church, South, convenes at Smithfield on next
Sundax the 2!)th instant. The following named ladies
and gentlemen have been appointed as a committee to
represent Clayton Sundax School on the above occasion:
Misses Alice Lindsay, Ella Barnes and Bettie Sturdivant;
Messrs. T. A. Bingham. John W. O'Neil, C. C. Barbour,
and Johnnie Barnes. All who attend can rely upon having
a good time for the good people of Smith field are noted
for their hospitality and we can guarantee everyone a
pleasant time in our sister town."
November 25, IKK5
"The first quartely meeting of the- M. E. Church will
be held at the church in Clayton next Saturday and
Sundax. The Reverend Dr. \. IE 1). Wilson will preside."
March 21. 1886
"Reverend A. E. Wiley made a very interesting talk to
the children ol the M. E. Sunday School last Sundax
morning, and we are very much pleased to hear him sax
he would do so again soon."
June 30, 1886
In The Clayton Bud. September I, 1886, the' statement was that
services were held in Clayton every fourth Sundax ol the month.
This question appeared also: "Why can't Clayton have a regular
Sundax service at some of her churches every Sabbath: Is it because
she is good enough?"
Under the new pastor, the Reverend B. C. Allied, the following
familiar names appeared in the list of Sundax School officers in
January 1887: superintendent, (). G. Smith: assistant superintendent.
J. W. Ellis: secretary, John Barnes; treasurer, Miss Jennie Barnes; or-ganist,
Miss Kittie Ellington: librarian and sexton. Isaac Farmer.
\i))t
1889-1911
The church continued to grow undei the leadership ol the
Reverend R. W. Bade) during the year 1888-89. P>\ the next con-ference
year, 1889-90, under the guiding hand ol the Reverend A. R.
Ra%ren, pastor, the membership decided that after thirt) years of con-tinuous
use, the first (lunch building needed a "face lifting" and en-larging.
At this time the people wanted a steeple; so one was built on
it. and within it was placed a bell, the very same hell which is beckon-ing
worshipers toda\ in 1959 to God's House-.
Though the records from 1889 to the turn ol the century are
\ci\ inadequate, there is no doubt that the (hutch continued to grow
spiritualr) and in membership unclei the following ministers: the
Reverend J. J. Barker, 1890-92; the Reverend J. M. Ashby, 1892-95;
the Reverend M. M. McFarland, 1895-96; the Reverend J. T. Draper,
1896-99: the Reverend S. A. Cotton. 1899-1901.
Ten
Under Mr. Barker the following people joined the church: Mrs.
Pattie Duncan Barnes, Bettie Smith. A. R. Duncan, Mrs. Alma L.
McCullers, E. B. McCullers, Mrs. Lena Barbour. Under Mr. Ashbv
these names appeared: John S. Barnes, Joseph T. Barnes, and Mrs.
Emma L. Farmer. Many will be interested to recall that Mrs. Farm-er
was a niece of Mr. Ashby, and she came here to live with him
before she was married. She has remained up to 1959 a faithful
Christian member.
Mrs. Martha E. Gattis joined the church under Mr. McFarland.
Fhe names of Mrs. Nina Duncan Whitley, Mrs. Claudia Robertson,
Dr. J. J. Young, Porter T. Duncan, David Barbour, and Julia Robert-son
appeared in Mr. Diaper's records.
On October 14, 1899, Mr. Draper said in a quarterly conference
report, "1 believe we have some as faithful Christians on the Clayton
circuit as can be found anywhere and they are constantly growing in
grace.
Clayton was on a circuit with four other churches at this time:
Elizabeth, Mount Zion, Four Oaks, and Corinth. Garner had been
removed from this circuit the year before.
Finder the Reverend S. A. Cotton our stewards in 1900 were
E. B. McCullers and O.G. Smith; Sunday School superintendent, C.
M. Thomas; Trustees, O. G. Smith, J.
1)! Adams, J. M. Dodd, E. B.
McCullers, and C. W. Home. Mr. Cotton in his report of the general
state of the church in 1901 uttered these remarks, "The general state
of the church is reasonably good, not so good as it should be but there
are many signs of encouragement. Since our last quarterly meeting we
have received into the church Mrs. Bessie B. Home and lost by death
one of our oldest and most faithful members. Brother Mcrritt Hol-land
of the Clayton membership." In 1902, he received by profession
of faith Mabel Tomlinson. In his educational report at third quarter-ly
conference, he said. "We have only one student attending our church
schools.— Miss Floy Leach, who is at G. F. C." (Greensboro Female
College.)
In addition to other duties, the minister marries couples: Mr. Cot-ton
performed the wedding ceremony of Ivan Whitley and Nina
Duncan.
In 1902. under the Reverend G. W. Fisher, other names appear
in the records: Eli/a Barnes, fames E. Ellis, A. J. Farmer, Beulah
L. Durham, and Phoebe Lancaster. Mr. Fisher reported a good Sun-day
School in Clayton. He also organized a junior Epworth League
and made plans for organizing a Senior League, too. The records show,
also, that the Missionary Society came into being in 1904 and became
the strongest bulwark of the Church. Mrs. E. B. McCullers was its
Eleven
first president; Mrs. Lena A. Barbour, secretary-treasurer; and Mrs.
I). M. Robertson, corresponding secretary. These ladies went to Fre-mont
to a Mission ar\ Conierencc but lound upon arrival that they
were a week earlv! They planned not to tell alx>ut this when thev re-turned;
mi ilu\ stopped to spend the night in Goldsboro with rela-tives.
The news preceded them to Clayton, however!
In the Fishers, while thc\ were here, was born a son, the pre-seni
Reverend Edgar B. Fisher, named for Edgar B. McCullers.
Then. too. before Mr. Fisher completed his fourth year here, he
united in marriage B. M. Robertson and Claudia Mitchell.
The Reverend f. [. Renn was assigned to us next, but death
overcame him before he ever arrived. The Reverend Joseph V.
Williams who had served a mission in the bowery in New York City,
came lot that year. Mrs. Emma F. Ellis and E, W. McCullers joined
the (lunch that year. Then, a much loved and respected minister,
the Reverend G. B. Starling, came and seised this Clayton charge
for toui years (1906-1910). This Mr. Starling has a brother, Julian
Starling, who. with his wife, worships regularlv in this church today
(1959).
Ehough Mi. Starling in main ot his reports seemed quite dis-turbed
about the spiritual state ol main membeis, much progress
was made. Again the circuit was changed: this time it included Oaky
Grove and Mount /ion in addition to Clayton. Mam people joined
the church either by profession oi faith or b\ certificate; some ot those
who still have families here are A. Sam White, Mrs. Serena Robert-son,
V. Duke Duncan. Ashby Farmer, Garland Young, B. M. Robert-son,
Evan Whitley, Y. M. Holland. Mrs. A. R. Duncan. Mildred Bar-bom
(Pope). Garland Talton, Hugh A. Page, Carmin Gattis (Aus-tin).
|aspei Godwin, Rossella Mitchell. Mis. Cadmus Young, Dr. J.
H. vustin, Vshley Home, Jr.. and Mr. and Mrs. John A. Young. (To-day
Mr. John Young is oui oldest living member.)
During the time that Mr. Stalling was our minister, the Reverend
J. B. John was the Presiding Elder. He. too, was greatly loved where-
\ci he went. Ibis church is still privileged to claim his daughter. Mar-garet
(Mis. X. T. ) Holland as a member.
Shortly before the end ol Mr. Starling's pastorate in Clayton,
Mis. E. B. McCullers called him to hei home and suggested that we
needed a new chinch building. He agreed, and Mrs. McCullers wrote
a preamble calling lot subscriptions to build a S10,000 chinch and
headed the list with SI,000.
Main members knew that it just could not be done, but Mrs.
McCullers and Mr. Starling nevei gave up; their enthusiasm soon
Twelve
began to spread.
Early in 191] timing the pastorate ol the Reverend C .W. Robin-son,
a building committee' was appointed, consisting of E, B. Meddlers,
Charles \V. Home. B. M. Robertson, John 1. Barnes, and A. Sam
White. In October, 1911, Mr. Ashley Home joined the church and
was at once made chairman of the building committee. He suggested
that the) build a better church than the) had planned; so the plans
were changed without a limit. Mrs. Rena B. Home, Mrs. Lena A.
Barbour, and Mrs. E. B. McCullers had much to do with the beauti-ful
architecture of the chinch. The first plan had no cupola, but Mr.
Home said a chinch did not look light without a cupola and bell.
The old building, now about 53 years old. had become sacred
to many and the destruction of it brought sorrow to many. The bell,
however, as mentioned before, was saved to be placed in the new
building.
Mr. Robinson, minister, expressed regrets that "In view ol the
fact that we arc now building in Clayton, we cannot hold a meeting
(revival) here this fall." He. as did Mr. Starling before him, in spite
of disruption due to building, pressed the work ol the Sunday School
under the leadership ol Mr. A. Sam White, superintendent.
1916—1959
Thirteen
Mr. George \\ . Ellis was employed as builder and began work
in il'IJ. I'hc membership named die church Saint [anas Methodist
Church soon after the construction began; however, after Mr. Ashley
Home's \cr\ unexpected deatli the following year, they, in appreciation
ol his noble and generous help, decided to call it Home Memorial
Mr Uodisi Church.
At Mi. Ashley Home's death in October 1913, his son, Mr.
Charles W. Home, was made chairman ol the building committee,
and he carried on the work with all the fervor and zeal possible
until the building was Unshed, furnished, and paid lor. Main times
it seemed that the work would stop lot lack of funds; but the peo-ple
then would rail) to the cause and pay more money until their
elloits were crowned with success.
The Reverend G. S. Bearden, who was with us from 1913-15,
gave a picture of conditions in one of his reports: "We are looking
toward a bright future. The congregation has been hampered for
the want of a comfortable place to worship; going from school house
to the indicated basement of the new church. Hut these conditions
are changed. Our women ate regularly organized in their society and
all departments ol the work are being looked alter by them: Cradle
Roll, and the Bright Jewels Society. In June, a Wesley Bible Class
for men was organized with 42 members. The Ladies' Weslev Bible
Class has also been organized."
The building program continued to progress well under the
guidance ol the Reverend G. S. Bearden (1913-15) and the Reverend
T. A. Svkes (1915-17). Regular set vices and other meetings were
held in the basement ol the church. The Bright Jewel Society of the
church under the direction of Mrs. V. M. Holland gave a "public
entertainment" at the Church (in the basement) in September 1915.
Also on September 3, 191"). the Clayton Nezvs said, "One of the most
enjoyable musical treats ever given in Clayton was the sacred concert
at Home Memorial Methodist Church, and that it was appreciated
was proven b\ the large audience of over 600 people who listened
with eagei interest horn the first number to the last number." This
concert, under the direction ol Mrs. Charles Gulley, brought into use
loi tin liist time the handsome new Mollei organ, which was played
b\ Mis. Kate Ha\es Fleming of Raleigh. Also assisting in the concert
were Messrs. Phillips and Betts ol Raleigh's Edenton Street Methodist
Church < hoii and bv Mr. fames Thomas, violinist.
rhough it was time lor Mr. Bearden to leave (December 1915).
the chinch was still not epiite completed. Early in January of 1916,
oui new pastor, die Reverend 1. A. Sykes (1915-17), told his congre-gation
that it was his present intention to hold the first service in
Fourteen
the sanctuary of the church about the first Sunday in February, "the
money to complete the interior having recently been provided." As
he predicted, the church was ready lor occupancy in 1916 at the cost
of SI 1.000. $3,000 of which was borrowed.
The beautiful art glass windows, which were given in memory
of William Henry Home, Cornelia Frances Home, John T. Pullen,
Delia Smith Ellington, Harry Durham, and our soldiers who served
in World War 1. were donated by Mrs. Ashley Home. Mr. Ashlev
Home, Jr., Mr. and Mis. Charles W. Home, Mis. Emma Ellington.
and the Wesley Bible Class. The pulpit furniture was donated by Mrs.
Lena A. Barbour in memory ol her husband. David W. Barbour. The
baptismal font was donated by Mrs. E. B. Meddlers in memory of her
son who had died. One hall of the pipe organ was paid lor by the
Andrew Carnegie Fund.
The notes were finally all paid and the church was dedicated
on Max II. 1910. by our next minister, the Reverend O. I. Hinson
(1917-1920). assisted by Dr. T. \. Ivey, who preached the dedicator)
sermon. For special music with Mis. Mildred Pope as organist. Mrs.
Waller Priddy, formerly Miss Swananoa Home, sang a solo, and Mr.
Don Richardson played a violin solo.
Now, with the church built and paid lor some ol the members
must have decided to rest by taking a vacation on Sunday mornings.
Mr. Hinson had this brief article in the Clayton News in April 1920:
"Did you choose visiting or automobiling instead of Sunday School?
The Loicl chose the Sabbath School, as was His custom. He went to
the House of God on the Sabbath. He was brought up to it."
Mr. Hinson believed in beginning his services on time and end-ing
on time. One night when Mrs. Mildred Pope, organist, walked in.
he was announcing the first hymn: only he and the jaintor were
present
November 1920 brought to us the Reverend C. I . Thrift, a new
minister to this conference. The choir, as always, was adding much
to the worship services. The Clayton News carried an account of their
Christmas cantata which was under Mrs. Charles G. Gulley's leader-ship.
Fhe program was declared "by those who heard it to be the
best ever rendered in Clayton." At the conclusion of the program, the
Reverend C. F. Thrift, our pastor, presented to Mrs. Mildred B. Pope
a beautiful silver basket, a gilt from the church in recognition of her
splendid services as organist.
During this time the Henrietta Thomas Missionary Society con-tinued
to grow in service and influence. Their officers in 1921 were
Mrs. D.W. Barbour. Mrs. B. M. Robertson. Mrs. John S. Barnes.
Mrs. Y. M. Holland. Mrs. W. S. Penn, and Mrs. R. A. Wall.
Fifteen
fcleafc Varo..iia .are Library
Raleigh
The Raleigh District Conference held its annual meeting in our
church in M;;v H/22. AI all the services the choir was in its place rend-ering
fine music. Presiding Elder, the Reverend ]. C. Wooten, ex-pressed
his great satisfaction. Again the Clayton News said, "The peo-ple
of Clayton were delighted with the results, for it was undoubtedly
one of the most successful things held in this town. The Reverend
C. 1. Thrift wore a broad smile and said, 'Me and Betty, we killed
the bear!' The District Conference was a huge success."
Dr. and Mrs. |. T. Gibbs followed the Thrifts. An elderly Chris-tian.
Dr. Gibbs brought to us a rich, humble, full life. He led the
congregation into a closer walk with God. At the end of one year
",vith us, he, on account of his age, decided to superanuate; therefore,
the conference selected another wonderful parsonage family for us,
the Reverend Marvin Y. Self, Mrs. Self, and son. Harold. Immediately
upon arrival, Mrs. Self jokingly remarked. "What's the matter with
you folks, keeping a preacher only a year? We are in the habit of stav-ing
lour years." They stayed lour years, and truly no minister and
family had ever been more respected or loved. They worked on the
Church register and brought it up to date, and they added to the
chinch family seventy-nine new members. There was a good Sunday
School with Mis. Y. M. Holland the first woman superintendent.
Vcrv regretfully the- congregation gave them up at the end of lour
years, feeling that they had never had a more beloved pastor and
family.
Dr. and Mrs. (. B. Hurley came to us then. He was another elderly
gentleman who had walked with God many years. Mr. Self, before
him, had paved the way lor another line leader, and Dr. Hurley
carried on diligently the wonderful work. According to the records,
fifty-two new members came into the chinch during his one year ol
ministry with us.
Dr. J. B. Hurley left us at the end of this year to go to Maxton.
To lake his place, came the Reverend and Mrs. E. D. Dodd (1928-30) .
Notations complimentary of the Sunday School appear in the records
under Mr. Dodd's leadership. Mr. W. S. Penn, then and for many
vears. served as a faithful secretary. Some of the adult classes were en-thusiastically
working: the Lena Barbour Bible Class under their
teacher, Mrs. J. M. Turley, and the Wesley Bible Class under the guid-ance
ol their president. Mis. R. W. Sanders. Along with his work in the
Sunday School and with the young people, Mr. Dodd will be remember-ed
lor a vcrv line revival he held. also. He was always enthusiastic and
eager: therefore, he was a good leader. Having been reared in Clay-ton
made the congregation even more appreciative of him.
The year 1930-31 brought to us a supply pastor who worked his
Eighteen
\va\ into the hearts ol many. This young man was the Reverend \V. I.
Wolverton. Among the man) things he did that yeai was the recon-struction
ol the building and the making benches for Calvar) Metho-dist
Church in a farming community five miles north ol Clayton. The
members, working with Mr. Wolverton and using Mr. John I. Barnes's
saw mill, did a $1,000 job for about $400. On October IS oi that year,
this new ( Inn < h was dedicated. Mr. Wolverton presented the Reverend
C. 1. 1 In ill. who started the work ol founding ii nine years prior to
this time. Preceding t lie dedicator) service, members of the church
with man) from Home Memorial, mother church of Calvary, joined to-gether
in a big picnic and barbecue dinner in the church yard.
On Sunday, August 20, 1931, Miss Grace Robertson presented to
the Sunda) School ;i picture of her father, the late Ii. M. Robertson.
who had been an active member. Mr. M. H. Wooten accepted this
gill on behall of the Sunda) School, and placed il in the class room
of the Men's Wesley Bible Class, ol which Mr. Robertson was a form-er
president.
When the Reverend B. H. Houston came to lead us lor a year,
he lound the following ladies steering the Henrietta Thomas Mission-ary
Society: Mrs. Walter Davis, Miss Margaret Arthur, Mis. J.
1..
Godwin, Mrs. A. Sam White, Miss Bettie Smith. Mrs. M. II. Wooten.
Mrs. John 1. Barnes, Mrs. H. G. Pope, and Mrs. Marshall Holland.
Another organization which has always backed the ministers is
the choir. So main references have ahead) been made to it. Through
the choirs, the Methodist and Baptist Churches worked so beautilulh
together. In the Clay/on News ol December 24, L931, was this state-ment:
"Home Memorial Methodist Church was tilled to capacity Sun-da\
evening, and an immense throng enjoyed to the lullest the pro-gram
ol Cristmas music given b) a chorus from the combined choirs
ol the Baptist and Methodist Churches under the direction of Mrs. A.
Sam White and Mr. \or\elle Bryan with Mis. Glenn Pope as organist.
Mi. Houston also reported that the Sunday School was doing line
with aboul 125 in attendance each Sunday. The two intermediate
classes were doing their part b) having 100 per cent present almost
every Sunday. Some ol the men who were in official position at this
time were I. W. Farmer, R. W. Sanders, H. A. Page, John I. Barnes.
A. Sam White. (). G. Smith. Y. M. Holland. C. W. Home, and W. A.
Davis.
Anothei young minister, the Reverend John A. Guice, came in
November 1932 to stay with us lor three and one-hall years (1932-
1936). Under him other names were added to the official list: Duke
Duncan. Mis. B. M. Roberton. J. S. Starling, Mrs. I). W. Barbour,
Xineteen
M. T. Lambeth, H. E. Brooks, J. R. Satterfiekl, J.
K. Nelson. Death
took another, Mrs. fohn A. Young, who was especially loved tor the
large amount ol visiting she did, particularly among those who need-ed
someone so mux h.
Mr. Guice made this repori to quarterl) conference in [anuary
1931: "We have made some distinct advance in our young people's
work. A league has been organized. These young people under the
leadership ol Mis. M. T. Lambeth and Mis-. Grace Robertson have
been meeting lor a month now on Sunda\ evenings. They have or-ganized
a boys' choir and are rehearsing cadi week. James Rile\ Barnes
is president ol this group." lie also repotted that Miss Rosa Smith
had joined out church In certificate and Mi. Jim Kllis was removed
by death. "The Church School gives evidence of being the most wide
awake work in our church. Attendance at the Sunday morning session
has been increasing lor some time with new members being added
each Sunday." (Quarterh Conference report, Ma\ 1935.)
The Reverend \V. Stanley Potter came to us in the middle of
this conference year. Exchanging conferences with Mr. Guice, he
came to us from Missouri, lb- lound some ol the organizations hard
at work. The Wesle) Bible Class needed some money; so thev served
,i turke\ dinner at the club house. Dinner was 50 cents including des-sert
and coffee! The Woman's Missionary Societ) was well attended
in the home ol Mrs. W. E. Pennington. Yes, the choir was still making
a great contribution; appearing in new white robes and black caps lor
the first time on Paster Sunda\ morning (1937), this choir gave a
beautiful program ol music under the direction ol Mrs. R. W. Sanders
with Mrs. Mildred Ik Pope, organist. One hundred new Methodist
Hymnals were used lor the first time at this same Paster service. The
Clayton News ol June H.">. 1938, carried this interesting item: "An
overflow c i owd greeted Gov. Clyde R. Hoe\ at 11 o'clock on Sun-day,
|une 19, u the regular worship service at Home Memorial Meth-odist
Church. His Excellenc) was introduced b\ the pastor, the Rev-erend
W. Stanley Potter." The Governor took as his topic, "The
Church," and spoke as only a great Christian lavman could speak. "It
•was a great message from a great heart."
Finally, the members ol the Board ol Stewards will never forget
the hospitality ol Mr. and Mrs. Potter or the delightful roast turkey
dinner they served at the parsonage.
During the annual conference in the fall ol 1939, the Bishop
took bom us oui beloved pastor and family, but he sent us another
who soon won the love ol his new congregation. This was the Rev-erend
P. O. Lee, who came to us from Maxton. His effective and
large prayer meeting groups on Wednesday evenings and his most
Twenty
effective work and popularity among the young people will long be
remembered by the church membership. The records show junior and
intermediate choirs and young people's pageants. When conference
sent Mr. and Mrs. Lee back to us for their third year, the Clayton
News said. "Mr. Lee's return met with the unanimous approval oJ
the membership of tin church. This is his third year in Clayton, the
past two years having been marked In unusual progress in the church
under his leadership."
In a social way, the Board oJ Stewards enjoyed a most appetizing
quail dinner annually in the home of Mr. and Mrs. l.ee. "No one,"
they said, "could serve them quite as graciousl) and well as Mr. and
Mrs. Lee."
Again the time came lor another minister. This time (1943-1947)
the new parsonage lamih was the Reverend and Mrs. Carl Barbee
and Suzie and Patsy. Happ\ or not, Mr. Barbee came with a most
winning smile which served as an inspiration to main during his
ministry here. Main have said. "Mr. Barbee was always at the right
place at the right time." Under the leadership of Mrs. Barbee, the
Wesleyan Service Guild came into being and became one ol tin
most dynamic organizations ol the church. Mis. Barbee served as the
first president and Mis. Cordon Pruden, as second. \ot onl\ among
his own members but throughout the community Mr. Barbee's good
influence was Felt.
In 1946, our organ had to be sent back to the factor) and re-built
at a cost of S3,200. This was paid lor b\ a legacy left lor this
purpose b\ Mrs. Lena A. Barbour in her will, which legacy was added
to through the efforts ol
J. R. Satterfield with the help ol man\
loyal friends. Chimes, given b\ Mr. and Mrs. Waite Hamrick in
memoiv ol their grandmother, Mrs. Lena Barbour, were installed.
At a very special service on January 12, 1947, the organ and chimes
were dedicated "To the g'lon ol Cod. and in menioi\ ol Mrs. Lena
A. Barbour, 1868-1944." Particiating in this service in addition to the
pastor, the Reverend Carl Barbee, were the following: E. B. Meddl-er's,
invocation; A. S; in White, scripture: Mrs. I)ewe\ Farrell, solo:
]. Ralph Satterfield, presentation of organ and chimes; John I. Barnes,
Si., and J. E. Nelson, unveiling of Plaque; Hugh A. Page, acceptance
of organ and chimes: the Reverend Eph Whisenhunt, prayer of dedi-cation:
John M. Meares, benediction.
Needless to say, the choii had a special anthem, too. Members
of the choir presented I lowers in grateful appreciation to Mrs. Carlotta
B. Sanders and Mrs. Mildred B. Pope, choir director and organist.
These two ladies were daughters of Mrs. Lena Barbour.
Twenty-One
()l interest to main will be the notation that one of our choicest
young people, Norwood [ones, a student in Duke Divinity School,
preached for us in February. 1917. Then in the fall of that year two
of our most devoted members, Mr. E. B. McCullers and Mr. A. Sam
White, departed this world lor their heavenly home.
I ime moved on and so did our parsonage family who had shared
a lull, rich spiritual life with us. To live with us and lead us for the
next two years (1947-1949) came the Reverend W. C. Martin and his
line wife. Mr. Martin came to us with a background of years of suc-cessful
ministry. A scholar and a very devout Christian, he seemed
to know so well the ail ol leading people to a closer relationship with
our l.oid and Master. Ik- worked closely with the Board of Stewards.
encouraging them to set the example for others. lie started the system
of rotation of stewards. Under his leadership, too. the streets abutting
the church property were paved.
Though Mr. Mai tin was physically sick during his second year
here, never was he at any time approaching spiritual illness. The Rev-erend
E. C. Durham, a retired minister of Raleigh, North Carolina,
very ably filled our pulpit when Mr. Martin's health kept him away.
On account ol his ill health, however, at the end of his second
year, Mr. Martin decided to retire. How happy was the membership
of Home Memorial when he selected Clayton to be his home. Though
retired, he is still active. He has meant a great deal to the Lena
Barbour Class as one of its very line teachers. That class, in fact the
whole chinch, still loves, honors, and respects him.
How Cod has blessed this church throughout the years with so
main wonderful ministers! When Mr. Martin had to give up preach-ing
regularly, the Reverend R. I.. Hethcox and his wife came to us
lor four years (1949-53). Never was there a parsonage lamih who
seemed to love the "'old parsonage" as did this new lamih. The
"covered dish" suppers, once called "covered bowl" by Mr. Hethcox.
highlighted main a happy fellowship hour during these years. Dur-ing
these same four years O. B. Welch was chairman ol the Board ot
Stewards loi three years and Shelbon Hall. one. These men. under
the prayerful guidance ol Mr. Hethcox, led this organization and the
congregation through many wonderful experiences. It was at this
time that the lour year plan lor Evangelism in the southeastern juris-diction
started. A concentrated invitation program began.
Other things were happening. In the summer of 1950, the mem-bers
ol the Lena Barbour Bible Class who had been working on a
class libiarx decided to name it the Grace Holland Library in incm-oi
\ ol one ol their former members who loved her class and her church
Twenty-Tiuo
devotedly. The class held a most impressive memorial service for her
soon alter her death in May, 1950.
As a means of saying a genuine "thank you" for their unselfish
contribution to the (lunch through the choir as director and organist,
the membership presented to the chinch, in honor of Mrs. Carlotta
B. Sanders and Mrs. Mildred B. Pope, a beautiful brass vase in which
flowers are arranged in the Sanctuary almost every Sunday.
Then to show appreciation to one of our most beloved members
lor his many years of sacrificial service, the church school in August
1953, under the leadership of the Lena Barbour Bible Class, present-ed
to the church in honor of Mr. John I. Barnes. Senior, a beautiful
brass candelabrum. About a month later Mrs. Julian Stalling, Mis.
Garland Young, E. \V. O'Neil, Mrs. Miley Johnson, and Mrs. A. P.
Cavenaugh presented an identical brass candelabrum to the church
in loving memory of their devout, Christian mother. Mrs. Jane Ed-wards
O'Neil.
Still another gift came to the church dining Mr. Hethcox's leader-ship.
Mr. Hugh Page. Senior, a great church leader, had placed an
order lor an attractive outside bulletin board to be placed on the
church lawn in memory of his wife, Mrs. Blanche Page. Before it ar-rived,
however, Mr. Page died. As a result, though it was a gift of
Mr. Page, the church erected it in memory ol the much loved couple.
Mr. and Mrs. Page.
Though Mi. Hethcox was sick during his fourth year,
neither his humble leadership nor his keen sense of humor lessened.
He will always be remembered and loved lor his devout life of faith
and humility, his love lor the Master and lor all his people. (By
means of parentheses, let it be said that one ol the happiest experi-ences
of our church life was the return of this beloved couple to Clay-ton
to live alter he retired four years later. They continue to I ill an
important place in Clayton, in Home Memorial Church, and in the
hearts of many.)
Going back to 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Hethcox packed up at the end
of lour years and left the "old parsonage." The Reverend and Mrs.
R. H. Caudill came to direct and guide our church for the next
three years (1953-56). Mr. Caudill was especially known for his
visiting. He also worked on revising the membership roll; and in so
doing, began work on publishing a church directory. With the help
of Mrs. Ayden Lassiter, this task was completed.
During his pastorate, four new brass collection plates were given
to the church by Mrs. J.
1). Bain, Mrs. Mildred B. Pope, and Mrs.
Tweniy-Tliree
EASTER 1959
Carlotta B. Sanders. Also Miss Faye Corbett. one of our members
and a leader of young people, presented a most inspiring electrically
lighted Cross to hang before the eves of the congregation at all ser-vices.
Then, too. Mis. Duke Duncan erave a most attractive silver can-delabrum.
Much repair work and painting were done, too. At the same time
the Wesley Bible Class decided to give iron railing for the lour sets
ol steps on the side ol the (lunch.
Mrs. Caudill made a big contribution to the church also by tak-ing
over the directing of the choir when illness caused Mis. Carlotta
B. Sanders to resign. Mr. Caudill and their son. Charles, also sang
in the lovely special musical services directed by Mis. Caudill. This
pastor will be remembered best lor his dynamic personality, his strik-ing
illustrations, and his varied experiences.
Finally, the story has reached the present time. Almost three years
ago in 1956, a line consecrated young man, the Reverend Clyde H.
Dunn, his wile and a small son, Mark, came to live with us and lead
us. Under his leadership, a new parsonage was planned, constructed,
and is being paid lor. Also, in love and appreciation lor Mr. H. C.
Abbott, a great Christian leader in our church, his line wile and
Twenty-Four
family presented ;i handsome new pulpit Bible and a Communion
table runner to the church on December 22, 1957. Mr. Dunn made
the presentation.
In March ol this year (1959), Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh and daughter,
Martha Sue Goguen, and son. Arthur. Junior, gave to the church
the lovely Altar Kneeling Cushion and the Pulpit Scarl in loving
mem >r\ o! their husband and father, A. P. Cavenaugh, who had been
a most faithful and loyal member of this (lunch.
Easter Sunday (1959) found some freshly painted walls, two reno-vated
rest rooms, and two new water fountains. Many thanks went to
Mr. and Mis. \V. R. Peele for all ol these improvements.
Attendance at church school, Sunday worship services, and prayer
meeting has been much better lor the last lew months than it has
been for a long time. Our preacher has had the conviction, the cour-age,
the faith, and the Christian devotion to his calling to preach so
convincingly, so plainly, and so truthfully that he has stirred the
hearts and souls of his congregation. We shall forever love him lor
his faith and courage.
He. too, was always a comfort to the si< k and sorrowing. The
Church lost during this time many members who were among the
best loved and most loyal: Mrs. John S. Barnes, Mr. John I. Barnes,
Mr. A. P. Cavenaugh, Mis. Pattie Bailey, Mrs. A. Sam White. Mrs.
A. P. Carde, and Mr. J. L. Godwin.
Another big contribution of Mr. Dunn has been his leadership
in the planning lor this, our centennial, April 12, 1959. All the or-ganizations
of the church have worked with him to make this a
glorious day. The Wesleyan Service Guild under the guidance ol the
president. Mis-, Virginia Lee Satterfield, assumed the sponsorship for
this occasion, and she and main others have been untiring in thei;
efforts.
These three years with Mr. and Mrs. Dunn (known to main as
"Clyde" and "Betty") and their now three little sons— Mark. Steve,
and led—our Church, in spile of some "tips" and "clowns," has truh
grown spiritually. It is with sorrow and joy that the congregation will
give them up within a very few weeks: sorrow, over having to give
them up; joy over the realization that they will soon be going as
missionaries to carry the gospel of our Christ to our Chinese neighbors.
As we look back ovei these hundred years, a tinge of sadness
creeps into our throats when we recall the many who, giving of their
time, energy and love, have left us and gone on to Heaven; yet we re-joice
in the heritage which is ours because ol them. What the future
Twenty-Five
of this grand old church will be, only time tan tell. Strong sons and
diligent (.laughters of the great ones of the long ago still work, eagerly
lor its welfare and success. Many others have come to join with them
in their undertakings. It may be that the prophet's words will apply
to Home Memorial Methodist Church as they did to the temple ol
old: "The glory ol the latter house shall be greater than that ol
the former." Please, God, may the church continue for centuries vet
to come—"A city that is set upon a hill and cannot be hid.'"
CALVARY METHODIST CHURCH
Home Memorial Methodist Church has one child. Calvary Metho-dist
Church, which is located in a farming community five miles north
of Clayton. The Reverend C. I . Thrift, in 1921, began holding ser-vices
at Barnes's Cross Roads. Soon the church was begun on a piece
of land given by Mr. Troy Pulley. It. a young church, had many dis-couragements.
In 1930, the Reverend W. I. Wolverton and his mem-bers
took on new life. By doing the work themselves, they did a SI,000
job for about $400. They reconstructed the church and made benches.
The Reverend C. T. Thrift, who started this church nine years pre-viously,
returned to preach a dedicatory sermon. From that time on,
quite often an announcement appeared that Calvary was having
a barbecue dinner or a big home-coming affair.
In 1915. under the Reverend C. W. Barbee, Calvary organized a
Sunday School with thirty-eight present. Mr. Charles Williford was
elected superintendent; Mr. Henry Cay. assistant superintendent; and
I'olc ust Cay, secretary and treasurer. Miss Matrid Barnes was superin-tendent
of the Sunday School lot years also. Many names will always
be remembered in connection with Calvary Church: Mr. and Mrs. }.
T. Barnes, Miss Matrid Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Troy Pulley, Mr. Carl
Barnes, Mr. fab Poole, Mr. Flyson Cay, Mr. and Mis. Carl Dixon,
Mr. Daniel Wall and Mr. Joseph Penny. There are many others.
Under the Reverend R. H. Caudill, Calvarv began to grow again.
A great deal of repair work was done. The Methodist Youth Fellow-ship
of Home Memorial worked to raise money to purchase a good
piano lor them. The chinch is continuing to thrive under the Rev-erend
(Hyde Dunn.
Twenty-Six
THE BRIEF PARSONAGE HISTORY
In 1891, sonic of the members of the Clayton Methodist Church
decided that it was time to have a home for our preachers in Clayton;
so they looked around and found a house and lot which the) bought
from \V. S. Turner and wife Amelia I .. and |. M. Turner and wife
Mary E. for SI. 000. This was deeded on December IS. 1891, to the
trustees of the Clayton circuit: George A. Turner, W. II. Sanders.
J. D. Smith. R. C. Gulley, and I. (). Snead.
Our first minister to occupy this parsonage was the Reverend
J. J. Barker, and the last one was the Reverend G. \\ . Fisher. The
Reverend J. M. Ashley, the Reverend M. M. McFarland, the Rev.
f. T. Draper, and the Reverend S. A. Cotton came in between. \
birthday party of much interest was given in 1899 lor the benefit ol
the parsonage. The following was the (lexer invitation issued (a little
bag was attached) :
"This birthday party is given to you,
Tis something novel, 'tis something new.
We send to each this little sack
—
Please either send or bring it back
With as many cents as years you are old,
(We promise the number shall never be told.)
The ladies will give vou some good things to eat.
And kind 'friends will furnish a musical treat;
And now we extend to you greetings most hearty,
—
Feeling sure that you'll attend your own birthday party."
Birthday Reception for Benefit of M. E. Parsonage
Clayton Academy — Friday, March 3, 1899 — from 8 to 11 o'clock
In 1906, this small one-story home was sold to Mr. Hugh A.
Page and moved back to the next lot. Then ;i lovely two-story par-sonage
was erected. The Reverend and Mrs. G. B. Starling were the
first to occupy it.
For fifty-one years this was the home ol our last twenty preachers
and their families. In 1957, the third parsonage was built on a lot
purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Keller for the sum ol $2,750. This
home, located on the corner of Page and Blanche Streets, was built
at a cost of $21,988 and was reach for occupancy by February 3, 1958.
Our minister, the Reverend Clyde H. Dunn, who was our leader in
the building program, moved immediately into our new parsonage
with his wife and sons. Mark and Steve.
The trustees who were responsible lor all the business transaction
of this new home were }. Elbert Jones, Chairman, Ro\ Justice. D.
G. Satterfield, Cooper O. Starling, R. W. Sanders, Jr.. Charlie Aiken,
and J. D. Bain. Sr.
Thus ends the brief history of the parsonage except to sa\ that
the present members are proud of it and are still working diligently
to pay off the indebtedness. Our earnest desire is that the not-too-dis-tant
future will lincl us with a new, paid-for-in lull parsonage!
Twenty-Seven
FULL-TIME CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Reverend Norwood Jones — Trinity Methodist Church
Burlington, North Carolina
A tew years ago two members of the same family
of Home Memorial Methodist Church dedicated
their lives to full-time christian service. These two
young people were Norwood and Alice Jones, son
and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Elbert [ones, who
are still among the most active and loyal members
of this church.
Norwood, now the Reverend Norwood Jones,
graduated from Clayton High School, attended Lou-isburg
College, and graduated from High Point
College, and received his B.I). Degree from Duke University. He then
became Wesley Foundation Director in Auburn, Alabama. He joined
the North Carolina Conference, and the Bishop sent him first to Keener
and Goshen churches just out from Clinton. North Carolina. Now he
is a very successful preacher in Trinity Methodist Church, Burling-ton,
North Carolina.
Norwood married Helen Meredith of Trinity, North Carolina,
while he was a student at Dtike University. They have two fine sons:
Mam ice and Meredith.
Mrs. R. Thomas Hobbs — (Nee, Alice Jones)
Haw River, North Carolina
Alice, now Mrs. R. Thomas Hobbs of Haw
River, North Carolina, graduated from Clayton
High School and then attended High Point College,
where she received her degree in Religious Educa-tion.
Her first position was that of Director of
Christian Education in the Burkhead Methodist
Church. Winston-Salem. North Carolina. From
there she went to the First Methodist Church in
Rocky Mount. While there, she fell in love and
married R. Thomas Hobbs. son of her preacher
and "boss,'" Dr. A. J. Hobbs. They moved to Dunn, North Carolina,
where she became the education director of Divine Street Methodist
Church.
Alter her family began to arrive, Alice had to give up her
position in lite church, but everyone knows that she continues her
work in christian education in the training of her two lovely little
daughters: Kathv and Caren.
Hoi lie Memorial Methodist Church is proud of you. Norwood
and Alice, and it is very happy to honor you both.
Twenty-Eight
i'lessaoes Irom many lormcr » linislrrs
During my ministry in Clayton, the rather large
circuit was changed Irom Clayton, Mount /.ion.
Elizabeth, Four Oaks, and Corinth to a circuit with
only three churches, as I remember—Clayton, Mount
/ion, and Oaky Grove. I remember, too, that my
tamily and I were the first family to occupy the new,
fine iwo-siorx parsonage.
During die latter part ol m\ ministry, Mis. E.
1). McCullers called me t<> her home to say, "We
need a new (lunch." Immediately plans began to
be made for the present Home Memorial Methodist Church.
How I wish that m\ health would permit me to join you in your
happy Centennial celebration! I will be with you in spirit. Ma\ ii be
a most glorious da\ ol praise and thanksgiving to Cod the Father
who made the day possible.
G. B. Starling, Retired
Kenly Methodist Church
Kenly, North Carolina
1906-1910
As to am outstanding event, the <>nl\ thing that occurs to me
is that I held a meeting at Barnes's Schoolhouse; and as a result, what
is the present Calvary Methodist Chinch was organized. I returned
nine years later to preach the dedicatory sermon.
You have my best wishes lot a grand and glorious occasion on
the 12th ol April, youi one hundredth birthday.
With all good wishes,
Very sincerely yours,
C. T. Thrift/
406 Bon Air Avenue,
Durham. N. C.
1920-1922
Txoenty-Nin/3
My appointment to Home Memorial Methodist
Church (aiiied a responsibility and a challenge
which called lor the dedication and consistent ex-ercise
ol such talent as I possessed. It was here that
I witnessed an encouraging and very substantial
progress in the activities and growth <>l interest
J among the membership ol the Church and the
Church School. It was here I found a beautiful
and worshipful sanctuary and a substantial and
loyal people; it was here I formed friendships
which gave assurance ol strength and security—a support which was
dependable.
M\ experience as pastor of Home Memorial Church has been
an abiding joy and an inspiration through the intervening years.
Mrs. Sell and I treasure the menior\ ol our pastorate with you as
among the happiest years of our ministry.
Marvin Y. Sell. Retired
The Methodist Church
Calvary Charge
Littleton. X. C.
1928-1927
We were very pleased to receive your invitation
to he at the One Hundredth Anniversary of Horn;:
Memorial Methodist Church. As you know, we
are a long way distant from Clayton so we must
send our regrets.
I do wish to express m\ felicitations to the
congregation on the splendid occasion ol its hun-dredth
anniversary. I remember my year at Clay-ton
with great pleasure. It was at Clayton that our
son was born and you will be interested to know
that he completes his training lor the Ministry in June, and that his
lather will have a part in his Ordination on the 28th of fune at St.
Paul's Episcopal Chinch, Greenville, North Carolina. Perhaps on the
occasion ol our \isit to East Carolina in June we may have the oppor-tunity
to pa) a short visit in Clayton.
Mis. Wolverton joins me in the best ol good wishes to the
Home Memorial Methodist Church.
Wallace I. Wolverton. Ph.D.
Dean of Divinity,
St. John's College.
I Fniversity ol Manitoba
Winnipeg 9. Canada
19.80-1931
people ol
Thirty
My husband, three children and I moved to
Clayton to serve Home Memorial Methodist Church
at a time when he was just recovering from a
serious illness. We found an intelligent, well-in-formed
and co-operative group of people, devoted
to their church and to its world mission.
I can think ol a thousand kindnesses received
from members ol this church and ol the other
(lunches in the town. A neighboi used to send
over for our bain and would always say, "and
DON'T (lean him up, 1 want him just like he is." Another woman.
head ol a children's organization in another denomination, formed a
friendship with our little girl which endures to this day, despite tin
difference in ages.
Our bain was c In istened in this churc h and was given a life mem-bership
by the Woman's Society. Our little girl and b<>\ became
members ol the church at Home Memorial.
I well remember what an interest the women took in the par-sonage
and how determined the) were to have nice furnishings in it.
I walked around the old parsonage the othei da\ and stood beneath
the big tree under which we had picnics and took kodak pictures
which I still ( herish.
There was the school (lose b\ where man) meetings were held,
including concerts and recitals, for Clayton folk were ever music
lovers. There, too, was the Woman's Club, where c i\ ic wot k was
friendships cemented.
Home Memorial Methodist Church lives in out memories large-ly
because ol the people who compose its membership, and the
nicest memory of all is of those friendships which, begun then, have
(arried on and friendships cemented.
Mrs. V,. II Houston
132 North Second St.
Smithfield, X. C.
1931-1932
Thirty-One
To remember the condition of Home Memorial Methodist Church
and Clayton at the time I came to be the minister in November of
19.32, is to recall a desperate time, and yet in some ways Winston
Churchill's words to the English at the time of Dunkirk seems appli-cable.
He said they would respond to the tragedy in such a way as
to make men remember and say, "This was their finest hour."
Practically everything in Clayton had failed financially in 1932.
All ol the Home enterprises had gone down: the bank, the store,
the farm operations, the cotton oil mill, the cotton mill, etc. Every-one
in Clayton had suffered great losses. Early in the evening of the
first clay I was in town I heard that a meeting of the Board of Stewards
ol the chinch was he ing held. I had not been asked to attend but I
went, perhaps to the dismay ol some' of the members. The) were meet-ing
with the former minister trying to work out some agreements with
him about the part of his salary which was still unpaid. Besides fail-ing
to pay his salary, the church had been unable to pay any Con-ference
obligations.
The other minister had hit by the time I arrived. Soon alter I
got into the meeting, someone described their predicament and then
said, "Let's be very realistic, I move that the salary of the new preach-be
be- set at S50 a month." I told them that I would gladly suiter with
them but that at $50 a month I was being asked to do most ol the
suffering. Instead ol this they agreed with me that it was better to
set no goals until we had begun to work together and hacl some idea
ol how things would develop.
I hat year 1 was paid Si 100. and for the first lime in some years
.ill conference obligations were paid in lull. Long overdue coal bills
and bills for Sunday School literature were paid and the parsonage
was completely replastered and redecorated inside. All ol the people
went to work in the chinch. Thc\ were soon joined and given great
encouragement by a. number ol the young men who had come to
town to take over tite management ol the businesses which had failed.
There was a substantial growth in church membership during my
minisin in Clayton. 1 he < lunch building was completely redecorated
one \ea.i. the benevolent giving was doubled, and the whole life ol
the (lunch was greal 1\ revived.
In Ma\ ol 1936 Bishop Paul 1>. Kein announced that I was being
transferred to Missouri and there I have been ever since, lot the past
nineteen years in the same (lunch in Kansas City.
John A. Guice
Saint John's Methodist ( )hur< h
6900 Ward Parkway
Kansas City 1 3, Missouri
1932-1936
Tim ty-Tiuo
Around May 15, 1936, the- three Potters arrived
in Clayton after a ride of three days from Missouri.
It was the first step in a new land, where we were
introduced to turnip "sallet," collards, self-rising
flour, snuff, and pork barbecue. There was regular
tropica] weather; it rained the first month, but
the heat was enly surpassed by the warmth ol the
Southern welcome.
The people proved as adept at entertaining Dis-trict
Conference and the first citi/en ol our state.
Governor Clyde R. Hoey, as they were ;it barbecuing pigs and having
a booth at lite Stale fail to pay oil the debt on the new oil furnace.
The beautiful Colonial Chinch inspired all of ns to wage a con
linual war against the devil in our soul and the bees in the front
pillars ol the church. The bees only hummed, but the choir within
raised their voices in mighty anthems at every worship service. A
church with such material blessings could only have been built
through the loyalty of a congregation dedicated to Christian disciple-ship.
As a result of Christian fellowship within the chinch, we call to
mind many people whose names we cherish in friendship, admiration
and honor.
W. Stanley Potter
The Steele Street Methodist
Chin c h
Sanford, X. C.
1936-1939
Home Memorial Methodist Church meant to me an opportunity
to have one ol the finest mid-week services in the North Carolina
conference. We had young and old. We over-ran the prayei meeting
room and were forced to the basement for space. We had 150 people
often in attendance.
Home Memorial meant to me an opportunit) lor City-wide recre-ation.
We built the Recreational Center and had the whole town meet-ing
to have fun.
Home Memorial meant to me an opportunit) to lead the Confer-ence
for a brief time in additions to the church and the Kingdom.
Home Memorial meant to me an opportunity to witness and
siillei for the cause of my church and Christ. It gave me the oppor-tunit)
in a crisis to live with a Christian conscience.
P. O. Lee
Whiteville Methodist Church
Whiteville. X. C.
1939-1913
Thirty-Three
Arriving at Home Memorial Methodist Church
in the fall of I'M."), we found a lovely sanctuary in
which to worship and a friendly congregation. The
good people gave loyal support, and we think of
our ministry in Clayton with gratitude. Soon alter
oiu arrival we knew that Clayton was a friendly
community, It was good to have friends throughout
the community. Our lour years passed rather swift-ly
and it seemed not so long until the fall ol 1947.
As Methodist preachers are taught to "go where
tliev are sent, we were under orders from the North Carolina Con-ference
to begin our work in a new field. During our ministry at
Home Memorial our oldest daughter, Susanna Newman, passed from
the elementary to high school, and our youngest daughter, Patricia
Ellen, started in the first grade. II I remember correctly, both of our
L^irls came into chinch membership at Home Memorial Methodist
Church.
Both the girls and Mrs. Barbee would join me in our best re-gards
to all of you. May you have a wonderful one hundredth anni-versary.
And now last but not least, let it be said with emphasis that
I am deeply grateful lot out lour years at Home Memorial.
Cail W. Barbee
Bethel Methodist Church
Bethel, X. C.
1943-1947
Thirly-Foui
My ministry at Home Memorial Church was
limited to two years, 1947-49. A serious operation
at the close of my first year kept me in Duke Hos-pital
for two months and out of the pulpit tour
months. I retired at the Conference of 1949 after
42 years of service.
I recall no phenomenal events or exciting ex-periences
during the two years I served this rather
conservative church. Everything moved along just
about as the) did before 1 came and as they have
since 1 retired. The most delightful experience of my association
with Home Memorial Church was the three or four years 1 was the
teacher ol the Lena Barbour Sunday School (lass. A more loyal, co-operative
and appreciative (lass can't be found in Methodism. 1 am
anxiously waiting and listening for my doctor to tell me 1 can again
teach this (lass ol noble women. "I do not (ease to give thanks loi
you. remembering you in mv prayers, that the Cod ol our Lord [esus
Christ, the Father of glory, may give von a spirit ol wisdom and ol
revelation in the knowledge of him. having the eyes of your heart en-lightened,
that you may know what is the hope to which he has
(ailed von."
\V. C. Martin, Retired
Clayton, \. C.
1947-1919
Thirty-Five
In November 1949 I was appointed to Home
Memorial Church. For eight years I had been
serving a six point charge at Newton Grove. This
appointment was quite a change for me. Aware oi
my weakness, and in the spirit ol humility, I found
mysell depending on God and the leadership ol
the Hob Spirit; I set forth to do ni\ best for the
Master and this pari oi God's Kingdom.
I found here one ol the most beautiful churches
I had eve) known. A (lunch when entering one
could not help from feeling the presence of God. When days were
dark, and things uncertain. I would lind my way to the Altar: kneel-ing
there, I would find the peace oi God flood my soul, and the light
would shine again. Thus from month to month, and year to year
under the blessing ol God. I spent four years ol one- of the happiest
pastoral experiences of m\ life. Some ol our happiest experiences
were in our Passion Week services. There main of us experienced
the presence ol the Holy Spirit and the meaning of our Lord's death
as never before. What Home Memorial Church has meant to us can-not
be expressed in words.
The (hutch is made up ol its people, another reason wh\ this
church has meant so much to us. Except for a bit ol doubt as to what
they had when we first came, they received us gladly; and as the time
moved on. our friendship and love grew more and more, until oui
love is (;nc that is everlasting. It was their kindness to ns. and our love
I or them, and a nice town in which to live that brought us back
here to spend oui declining years. On out return alter serving the
Oriental charge lor loin years, we were received with open hearts;
and in our sickness and in health, they have been wonderful friends
and a great blessing to us. I wish I could find words to express just
what Hoi tie Memorial Methodist Church has meant and is meaning
io us. since I cannot lind those words, I will just say, "May God bless
others as He has blessed me as the years roll be. Amen."
Yours still in His service,
Robert I,. Hethcox. Retired
Clayton, X. C.
1949-1953
Thirty-Six
T have been asked to give my impressions o£
Home Memorial Methodist Church and the town
of Clayton when I began my work there as Pastor.
My wife and I arrived there in November of 1953
and served for three years. We were met by a
group ol fine people to welcome us upon our ar-rival.
We found the people ol Clayton ver) Iriendh
to us, and I am not speaking for Methodist only
because the Baptist, Christian, and other denomi-national
people there were most cordial to us during the' three' years
we served, the' Church.
My greatest impression was that the job was great and exacting;
so I plunged into the work with all m\ might. The Church reacted
to iu\ efforts and began to grow in membership. Calvary Church gave
me an even greater challenge since, when we got there for the lirst
service, onl\ lour people attended. The window panes were' falling
out, the Moot had cracks so wiele- that the ground was plainly visible,
there' was no underpinning, the' heat was one coal stove, the piano
was out ol tune' and the' whole place showed desolation.
M\ wih' sat down at the piano and played the' prelude as though
she was playing a score from Bach. This gave me the' que; so 1 took
courage and preached as though the house- were crowded. Ver) soon
the house was lille-el. and the subsequent histors is in the' record.
We had three very happy years at Clayton, interspersed with
the' usual sadness and heartaches which go with being a Minister.
My prayers and best wishes go with God's people there as the)
move forward to greater acheivement in the' service ol the' Master.
R. H. Caudill
Westover Methodist Church
Raleigh. North Carolina
1953-1956
Thirty-Seven
MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED HERE
Lemuel Shell—John R. Brook, Associate 1859-1861
Carson Parker—John Buie. Associate ....1 CGI -1863
L. S. Burkheacl ..'
_ 18G3-1865
Joseph Wheeler ......1865-1867
T. Page Ricaud 1867-1868
Alex R. Raven.... 1868-1870
William H. Moore 1873-1871
J. E. Thompson 1C71-1874
James F. Smoote 1871-1876
Joseph H. Wheeler 1876-1877
R. M. Brown 1877-1879
P. L. Herman 1879-1881
J. T. Finlayson (Intenerant)
M. C. Thomas 1881-1883
A. E. Wiley 1883-1886
B. C. Allred 1886-1888
R. W. Bailey 1888-1889
A. R. Raven 1889-1890
(. J. Barker .....1890-1892
J. M. Ashby 1892-1895
M. M. McFarland 1895-1896
J. T. Draper 1896-1899
S.A.Cotton 1899-1901
G. W. Fisher 1901-1905
J. J. Renn (appointed; died before arriving)
Joseph V. Williams 1905-1906
G. B. Starling 1906-1910
C. W. Robinson 1910-1913
G. S. Bearden .....1913-1915
T. A. Sykes 1915-1917
O. I. Hinson 1917-1920
C. T. Thrift .....1920-1922
J. T. Gibbs 1922-1923
Marvin Y. Self ......1923-1927
}. B. Hurley 1927-1928
E. 1). Dodd' 1928-1930
W. I. Wolverton 1930-1931
B. H. Houston 1931-1932
John A. Guice 1932-1936
W. Stanley Potter 1936-1939
P. (). Lee 1939-1913
Carl Barbee 1943-1947
W. C. Martin 1947-1949
R. L. 1 lethcox 1949-1953
R. H. Caudill 1953-1956
Clyde II. Dunn 1956-
Thirty-Eisht
Reminiscences
The following stories are just additional items of interest. Several
of the older members of the church gathered one evening and had
a reminiscent party. Here are some of the results, not given in chronolo-gical
order at all. Some of the articles came from the Clayton Bud and
the Clayton Neius, also.
"Quite a large gathering cf our citizens assembled this 12:30
noon at the Methodist Church to witness the marriage of Mr. Joseph
J. Rogers of Apex and Miss Willie A. Tomlinson, of Clayton, the
Reverends J. M. White and |. F. Ellington, officiating. The attend-ants
were Dr. j. R. Rogers and Miss Rena Beckwith; Mr. |. B. H. Tom-linson
and Miss Lizzie Avera; Mr. J. E. White and Miss Eugenia
brown: Mr. f. R. Hunter and Miss Lela V. Ellington; Mr. W. R. Hin-ton
and Miss Martha Pool; Mr. |. C. Poo] and Miss Mary Strickland;
Mr. T. V. Robertson and Miss Pattie Smith. Ushers were Mr. W. H.
Meddlers and Mr. (). G. Smith. Flower girls— Misses Maggie and
Pearl Robertson. The bridal party took the 1:20 train for Apex, where
a reception will be given them at the groom's home."
From The Clayton Hud, August 18. 188ti
Ehis does not say which (lunch, but it appeared in the Clayton
Bud on November IK, 1885: "We would advise Mr. and Miss
to cease their cooing in church as they may receive a reprimand when
they least expect it, and it is justly deserved for the church is no
place to be whispering."
"The pulpit at the Methodist Church was filled by the Reverend
Amos Weaver last Sunday morning and by the pastor, the Reverend
A. E. Wiley, at night. Both sermons were instructive and edifying."
From Clayton Bud, July 188(i
The Reverend (.. W. Stalling married Miss May Gulley and
Mr. jasper Godwin in the First Baptist Church here in Clayton.
.Mrs. Julian Starling often went to the old church barefoot and
wearing a white sunbonnet. Mr. E. B. Meddlers was her Sunday
School teacher. He promised a pair of red shoes to the ones who
would attend a year without missing a Sunday. Mrs. Starling and Mrs.
Garland Young (Ethel and Stella O'Neil) had not missed a Sunday
until they came down with the mumps. Stella went anyway and re-ceived
a pair of black shoes, as red ones were not available!
Mr. Ashley Home used to go to church wearing a Prince Albeit
coat, striped trousers, and a high-topped hat, and carrying a gold-headed
cane. His wife was soloist in the choir.
Thirty-Nine
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope started playing the piano lor Sunday
School when she knew only two hymns. Mrs. B. M. Robertson knew
only two. One Sunday found "Mildred" playing her two hymns at the
opening of Sunday School and "Claudia" playing her two for the
closing exercises. The next Sunday they reversed their procedure:
Claudia at the beginning and Mildred at the end. Mrs. Carmine Cattis
Austin was the third to help with her one or two numbers!
Mr. John Poole used to ring the bell and do other janitorial duties
in the old church. He also sang in the choir.
Dr. J. B. Ivey, who was editor of the Christian Advocate for years,
used to come to our church to preach once a month. He alternated
with the regular pastor who preached once a month. He was greatly
Joved. His salary was underwritten by several members of the con-gregation.
Mrs. E. B. McCullers was always dressed to the very letter when
she went to Church. One Sunday when she bowed her head for the
opening prayer, she almost broke up the service when she discovered
that she still had on her apron! She very quietly tried to slip it off
unnoticed but not before some young j)eopIe saw her. They could
hardly suppress their laughter.
Mrs. Marshall Hall related this good story (she said, however,
"not to be printed") : People were expecting a law to be passed pro-hibiting
the making of wine. These two fine women, Mrs. Hall and
Mrs. Emma Ellington, were eagerly getting their berries "juiced"
ready for wine, when who should appear but the preacher, the Rev-erend
O. ]. Hinson. They saw him through the crack. So quietly they
stayed that he left without making his pastoral visit! What happened
to that wine? It turned to vinegar and made the very best pickles they
ever had!
Mrs. O. 1. Hinson also had an interesting experience in her
kindergarten class. She was asking her little pupils about what their
parents did.
"Jack," she asked of the son of the Reverend A. O. Moore (a fine
Baptist minister here) . "what does your daddy do?"
"Aw. my daddy just goes fishing and hunting," was Jack's epiick
reply.
"Win. [ack," said Mrs. Hinson, "your daddy is a preacher."
"I know, but that's nothing, that's just talking," replied Jack.
William Home, son of Mr. and .Mrs. Ashley Home, died when
epiite young of typhoid lever. Jessie Ellington (Mrs. Easom) sang
at his funeral, Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar." It seems that this was
the first time that this poem had ever been sung in Clayton.
Forty
There were a lew graves in our church yard. One large stone has
names on three sides: on one side are Martha and Harry Durham;
on another are the nanus of their three sons, Harris I ., William A.,
and Robert: on the third side are Ella and Delia, two daughters. The
son Wliliam hail died away [rem heme during the Civil War. His
brother Harris went to bring his body home. Harris contracted pneu-monia
himself and died about two weeks later.
Buried, also, was the infant of the Reverend and Mrs. ). [. Bark-er,
our minister and wife in 1890, 1891, 1892. Then, too, there were
Miss l.illie O'Neil and her parents. The story now goes that at the
time of "Miss I.illie's" death, the town had to grant special |>ermis-sion
for her body to be placed there on account of a new city ordinance.
Do yon remember when Mrs. Mary Pitts Duncan was organist
in our church? Yes, Mrs. M. C. Thomas was our organist once, too.
Mrs. Geraldine G. Garvey was another good choir director for us.
The Reverend (). I. Hinson was teaching the ladies and gentle-men
in Sunday School one (old, snowy Sunday when the attendance
was small. He asked the question, "What would have happened to
Jesus il the weather had been this cold?
Imagine Mr. Hinson's chargin when one gentleman hastily answer-ed,
"He certainly would have frozen to death in those bulrushes!"
Mrs. Charles Glllley directed the choir for seventeen years, start-ing
about 1912. She is right back in that same place today doing a
wonderful job.
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope started as organist in 1913 after she finish-ed
at Greensboro College and returned from a trip abroad. Mrs.
Carlotta B. Sanders was organist before that time.
When the Reverend (). I. Hinson was our pastor, Mrs. Hinson
had a kindergarten. She also organized a cooking class and some <>1
her delicious recipes are still being used by many people in Clayton.
Mrs. Hinson. too. was among the organizers of the Mothers' Club o!
Clayton. This later developed into the Clayton Woman's Club.
Mr. John I. Barnes's first wife was the first funeral in the new
chinch. Mi. Ashley Home was buried about a week later.
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope sang the first solo and was the first person
to be married in the new church.
"The Ladies Aid Society of Home Memorial Church will serve
sandwiches, lea, ice cream and cake on the lawn ol Mrs. R. W. Sand-ers
immediately after Class Day Exercises on Friday afternoon. Every-body
is cordially invited. The proceeds will go to the society. (Tfte
Clayton News, May, 1921.)
Fovty-Onc
Dining the time that the Reverend Stanley Potter was pastor,
the Sunday School decided to do away with the opening exercises for
a little while. Each (lass would have its brief worship service before
the lesson. This story came from the Men's Bible Class: Mr. Julian
Starling said, "All right, fellows, let's start." At that moment someone
announced the hymn number and Mr. Starling played the piano while
Mr. Lonnie Wheeler led the singing!
For years many people in the Clayton community aspired to the
time when each church could have a full-time preacher to hold ser-vices
within each church every Sunday. A lew held to the idea that
it was far more beneficial tor the different denominations to wor-ship
together. One who spoke vigorously lor inter-denominational
worship was Mr. [esse Ellington, lather of Mrs. B. A. Hocutt. He said
that worshiping together lead to more wholesome living.
Mis. B. A. Hocutt has always been a very good and close friend
of the Methodists and of the Methodist ministers. She recalled how
she and the other "little girls" visited Annie Raven, daughter of our
minister, A. R. Raven, while he was preaching here. Annie had twenty-five
dolls! "I was so envious of Annie and all her dolls that I could
hardly stand it. lor all the rest of us girls had only one'' related Mrs.
Hocutt.
Three outstanding ladies who have departed this life gave so
freely of their time, efforts, love, and good influence that the women
chose to honor them by naming the three circles of the Woman's So-ciety
of Christian Service in honor and in memory of them. These
dearly loved persons weie Mrs. Lena A. Barbour, Mrs. Alma McCulI-ers,
and Mrs. John S. Barnes ("Miss Pat")
.
Imagine having the same responsible job in a church for almost
fifty years! Mis. B. M. Robertson has been a most faithful Communion
Steward since about 1910. What a contribution she has made to the
chinch.
"The Reverend lorn P. Jimison will preach at Home Memorial
Church tonight at S o'clock. Mr. jimison needs no introduction to the
people of Clayton. He is the same splendid Evangelist who conducted
a revival meeting in Clayton in the Spring of 1915, and he has lost
none of his preaching powers; he is still lighting the devil with all of
his strength and ability." (The Clayton News, April 1920.)
'The following Clayton women are attending the Methodist
Woman's Missionary Conference at Oxford this week: Mesdames E. B.
Meddlers. John S. Barnes, and W. S. Penn. They are delegates from
the Woman's Missionary Society of Home Memorial Church." (The
Clayton News, May 1920.)
Forty-Tiuo
In a children's program Carlotta Barbour (Mrs. Sanders) had a
recitation to say. She said that she knew that her Sunday School teacher
did not think that she would learn it. This made her more determined
than ever; so she said, "1 shocked them all to death by knowing it."
As one reads these reminiscenses. he will doubtless recall dozens
and dozens of other interesting events, some even much more import-ant
than some recorded here; however all good things must conn- to
an end! Recall all the things you will and enjoy them, but remember
that omissions have been made, but very unintentionally. May the next
one hundred vears be the verv best vet!
Forty-Three
CHURCH ORGANIZATION
Paul \. Garber Presiding Bishop
Graham S. Eubanks District Superintendent
Clyde H. Dunn Pastor
Mrs. Charks G. Gulley Choir Director
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope Organist
OFFICIAL BOARD
|. F. Nelson Chairman
G. Shelbcn Hall ...Secretary
John B. Robertson Treasurer
[oseph Penny Chairman, Commission on
Membership and Evangelism
Stanley C. Peele Chairman, Commission on Finance
G. Shelbon Hall Chairman, Commission on Education
Airs. W. S. Perm Chairman, Commission on Missions
Sam B. Strickland ...Charge Fay Leader
Mrs. B. M. Robertson ...Communion Steward
Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh President, Woman's Society
of Christian Service
Miss Virginia L. Satterfield ...President, Wesleyan Service Guild
Miss Betty Beard .....President, Methodist Youth Fellowship
John W. Mayo District Steward
STEWARDS
J. D. Bain, Jr. David B. Bell E. W. O'Xeil
Joseph Barbour Curvis Holder W. R. Peele, Jr.
Norwood D. Barbour Wilbur Jackson Joseph Penny
Mrs. W. C. Beaman J. F. Nelson Sam B. Strickland
TRUSTEES
H. C. Abbott J. E. Jones
Charlie Aiken Roy A. Justice
J.
I). Bain R W. Sanders. Jr.
CIRCLE LEADERS
Mrs. Y. M. Holland Lena A. Barbour Circle
Mrs. Milton I). Riddel! .....Pattie D. Barnes Circle
Mis. Clyde H. Dunn \lma L. McCullers Circle
THE CHURCH SCHOOL
Roy A. Justice — ~— - Superintendent
Charles Barden Assistant Superintendent
E. W. O'Xeil - - Secretary
]. F. Nelson — Adult Division
Sam B. Strickland Youth Division
Mrs. W. R. Peele, Jr Children's Division
Forty-Four
THE CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS
Children's Division
Mrs. Shelbon Hall (Pianist) Mrs. fames I . Vinson
Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh W. R. Peele, Jr.
Mrs. Y. M. Holland Mrs. W. R. Beard
Mrs. Stanley Peele Mrs. Roy Justice
Mrs. Virginia Lynch Mrs. Ray Culley
Patsy Faulk Mrs. |. Elbert [ones
Vol in Division
Mrs. W. C. Bcaman Joseph Barbour
Mrs. W. R. Peele Sarah Richardson,
Mrs. J. I). Beswick (Counselor)
Adult Division
Mrs. Paul Keller Paul Keller
Rev. W. C. Martin Mrs. R. A. Wall
Rev. R. L. Hethcox Joseph Penny
Mrs. Otto Creech II. C. Abbott
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Man) people within the church membership and many other kind
friends need a word of appreciation lor the threat help they have given
in the preparation of this history:
Mr. Charles Barden lor his wonderful work on the pictures of
the (lunch and windows included herein.
Mr. Ralph Delano of The Benson Revieiv lor all his help in giv-ing
access to the old copies ol The Clayton News.
Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Woodall and Centenary Methodist Church
of Smithfield lor permission to use main records ol church history
in their possession.
Mrs. T. J. Lassiter lor information gleaned from her Brief His-tory—
Centenary Methodist Chinch.
Miss Penelope Smith of Franklinton, North Carolina, lor a most
interesting discussion of our histoix when we were on the same cir-cuit
with Elizabeth Church. Then, too, Mrs. Marshall Hall of Smith-field
and Mrs. B. A. llocutt lor much valuable information.
To oiu minister, the Reverend Clyde H. Dunn, lor help from
every angle.
All the material contained in this history has come from The
Clayton Bud, The Clayton News, North Carolina Conference Records
in Chapel Hill and Durham, Quarterly Conference records, old min-utes,
and word of mouth.
Many thanks to all who have helped in any way!
Forty-Five
Membership - 1959
Date joined Name Address
1942 Abbott. Henry C 210 Home St.
1942 Abbott, Mrs. Henry C _ 210 Home St.
1943 Adams, Mrs. Janie Grate Raleigh, X. C.
1 956 Aiken. Charles 509 Starling St.
1956 Aiken. Mrs. Charles 509 Starling St.
1955 Alsobrook. M. C Smith St.
1955 Alsobrook. Mrs. M. C Smith St.
1955 Alsobrook, Bobby Joe Smith St.
1955 Alsobrook, Martha Ellen Smith St.
1915 Atkinson. Mrs. }. P Raleigh, N. C.
1925 Atkinson. Woodrow B Raleigh, X. C.
1958 Bagley, William P E. Second St.
1946 Bagley, Mrs. William P E. Second St.
1936 Bain, J. Douglas 326 Barbour St.
193(5 Bain. Mrs. J. Douglas 326 Barbour St.
1940 Bain, J. Douglas, Jr O'Hara St.
1956 Bain. Mrs. J. Douglas, jr O'Hara St.
1943 Bain, R. Whitley ...328 Barbour St.
1958 Bain, Mrs. R. Whitley 328 Barbour St.
1952 Barbour, Norwood I) 206 Second St.
1920 Barbour. Mrs. Norwood D 206 Second St.
1931 Barbour, Norwood 1).. [r Las Vegas. Nevada
1943 Barbour, Joseph Home St.
1956 Barbour, Mrs. Joseph Home St.
1955 Barbour. Max Leo Wilson. X. C.
1914 Barden, Mrs. Blanche 322 Barbour St.
1914 Barden. Charles 401 Kildee St.
1951 Barden. Mrs. Charles 404 Kildee St.
1921 Barham, Mrs. Flonnie C R. E. D. Xo. 2
1902 Barnes, Mrs. Eli/a 337 Barbour St.
1928 Barnes, James S. Stallings St.
1925 Barnes. John E. Jr 120 Blanche St.
1940 Barnes. Mrs. John E, Jr 120 Blanche St.
1918 Barnes, Matrid 411 O'Xeil St.
1915 Barnes, Zelda 115 First St.
1954 Beaman, W. C Raleigh. X. C.
1954 Beaman. Mrs. W. C Raleigh. X. C.
1915 Beard. W. Russell 323 Page St.
1915 Beard. Mrs. W. Russell 323 Page St.
1919 Beard, Colon Yates 323 Page St.
1955 Beard. Carol Ann 323 Page St.
1950 Beard. Sarah E 323 Page St.
Forty-Six
1953 Bell, David B .Raleigh. \. C.
!92( : Bell, Mrs. David B Raleigh, \. C.
958 Bell, David B., Jr Raleigh, X. C.
954 Benson. Walter R. F. I). No. 1
95 1 Benson, Mrs. Waller R. F. 1). Xo. 1
951 Benson, Walter, Jr R. F. 1). Xo. 1
95! Benson, Lynn R. F. D. Xo. 1
956 Benson, fohn R. F. 1). Xo. 1
954 Beswick, James D ...311 Church St.
'951 Beswick, Mrs. James D. 311 Church St.
952 Blackmon, Bernice ...Pythian Home
952 Blackmon, Bobby Ray ..Pythian Home
952 Blackmon, Clarence Pythian Home
950 Blinson, Mrs. Emma R. F. D. No. 2
956 Brannon, Marcelle Ann Main St.
955 Bridgers, Mrs. Beatrice P. Raleigh. N. C.
955 Bridger, Robert I ...Raleigh. X. C.
1955 Bridger, Mrs. Robert I Raleigh. X. C.
1922 Brooks, Dr. H. F .Wilson. X. C.
954 Brown. David Raleigh. X. C.
938 Brown, Robert Raleigh, X. C.
910 Bryant, Mrs. George W. R. F. D.
956 Bunn, Mrs. W. G. 301 Home St.
929 Butler, Mrs. Ernestine 317 Second St.
951 Butler, Eugene F.. Jr. 317 Second St.
915 Garde. B. W. . .211 Blanche St.
953 Garde. Montraville R. F. D. Xo. 2
954 Carde, Mrs. Montraville Raleigh. X. G
928 Carde, Woodford A .301 Blanche St
915 Carroll, Mrs. Charles 326 Page St.
934 Carroll. James 301 Fayetteville St.
943 Garness, Mrs. Florence S. ..Sanford. X. G
954 Capps, Joseph Raleigh, X. G
950 Capps, Mrs. Peggy Lee ......R. F. D. Xo. 2
920 Cavenaugh, Mrs. A. P. 216 Home St.
950 Cavenaugh, Arthur 216 Home St.
954 Charles, Alice Pythian Home
954 Charles, Diane Washington. D. G
953 Cole, Dr. H. A. 211 Blanche St.
949 Cole, Mrs. H. A. ..211 Blanche St.
1949 Cole. H. A.. Jr. Chapel Hill. X. G
944 Compton, R. Keith ..Main St.
1938 Compton, Mrs. R. Keith Main St.
910 Compton. R. Keith, Jr Main St.
940 Compton, Wrilliam Avera Garner. N. C.
Forty-Seven
1917 Conner, Mrs. Elizabeth W Almador, California
1950 Corbctt, Faye ...Raleigh, N. C.
1926 Creech, Mrs. Otto 118 Blanche St.
1955 Creech, Alice Inez 118 Blanche St.
1948 Dean, Mrs. Betty Bain Winston-Salem, N. C.
1936 Debnam, Mrs. L. D Winston-Salem, N. C.
1958 Dixon. Cecelia R. F. D. No. 1
1958 Dixon, Rose Marie ...R. F. D. No. 1
1946 Dodd, Mrs. Charlie R 115 First St.
1946 Dodd, Joseph .115 First St.
1955 Dodd, Virginia 115 First St.
1956 Dunn. Mrs. Elizabeth Z. Page St.
195." Dunnagan, Dr. W. A Chapel Hill, N. C.
1953 Dunnagan, Mrs. W. A Chapel Hill, N. C.
1955 Dunnagan, Carolyn Royal Chapel Hill, N. C.
1906 Ellis, Mrs. Emma Raleigh, N. C.
1925 Ellis, Sam 1 14 Whitaker St.
1895 Farmer, Mrs. A. J. .575 O'Neil St.
1926 Farmer, I. Weisner .....Raleigh, N. C.
1954 Faulk, Connie Pythian Home
1954 Faulk, Linda Pythian Home
1954 Faulk, Patsy .....Pythian Home
1945 Ferrell. Addie Lou 517 Second St.
1949 Ferrell, Rosalie ...517 Second St.
1915 Ferrell, Mrs. Waldo 41 1 Main St.
1955 Fields. Wilbur O. Windsor, N. C.
1955 Fields, Mrs. Wilbur O AVindsor, N. C.
1956 Forrester, Dr. Eugene N Florida
1956 Forrester, Mrs. Eugene X. Florida
1932 Fortune. Mrs. Helen W East Bend, N. C.
1950 Gardner, Mrs. Elizabeth ...520 Second St.
19H Gattis, Aubrey S 320 Stallings St.
191 I Godwin, Mrs. J. I 339 Page St.
1928 Godwin, Jasper L., Jr Lincoln, Nebraska
1920 Gower, Dr. F. D ...324 Main St.
1958 Greason, James Boyd Raleigh, N. C.
1958 Greason, Mrs. James Boyd Raleigh, N. C.
1946 Gulley, Ray ....'. 211 Second St.
1915 Gulley. Mrs. Ray 211 Second St.
191 1 Gurthrie, Mrs. Eula Mae Jacksonville, N. C.
1947 Hall, G. Shelbon 222 O'Neil St.
1947 Hall, Mrs. G. Shelbon 222 O'Neil St.
1957 Hall, Nancy S. 222 O'Neil St.
1949 Hall, Mrs. Winired 211 Blanche St.
1937 Hammid, Mrs. Christine M Raleigh, N. C.
Forty-Eight
1951 Hardin. Anthony Pythian Home
1952 Hardin, Roger Pythian Home
1951 Harrelson, Bobby Pythian Home
1952 Harrelson, fames E. Richmond, Va.
1952 Harrelson, Katherine Pythian Home
1951 Harrelson, Roger Pythian Home
1952 Haston, Mrs. J. H Indianapolis, Ind.
1953 Hearn, W. H. .. Rock Hill, S. C.
1953 Hearn. Mrs. VV. H Rock Hill. S. C.
1951 Hearn, Vicky Nell Rock Hill, S. C.
1950 Hethtox, Mrs. R. I _ 103 Second St.
1941 Hill. Mrs. Lizzie M :....548 Fayetteville St.
1951 Hinton, Mrs. Luther, Jr Maine
1919 Hocutt, Mrs. Herbert 419 Home St.
1958 Hocutt, Quincy B _ 119 Home St.
1915 Holder, Curvis E 583 O'Neil St.
1949 Holder, Mrs. Curvis E 583 O'Neil St.
1945 Holder, Mrs. J. D 583 O'Neil St.
1937 Holder, R. M. Raleigh, N. C.
1937 Holland, Mrs. Margaret 302 Fayetteville St.
1915 Holland. Mrs. Y. M 461 Second St.
1910 Home. Ashley 233 Stallings St.
1951 Home, Mrs. Ashley .....233 Stallings St.
1941 Home. Charles W. 233 Stallings St.
1957 House. Raymond M 320 Page St.
1934 House, Mrs. Raymond M ...326 Page St.
1950 Jackson, Wilburt R. F. D. No. 2
1950 Jackson. Mrs. Wilburt ...R. F. D. No. 2
1955 Jackson, Diane R. F. D. No. 2
1955 Jackson, DeLois May R. F. D. No. 2
1955 Jackson. Darlene R. F. D. No. 2
1930 Jelleries. Nicholas Raleigh, N. C.
1952 Jelleries, Nicholas. Jr Raleigh, N. C.
1950 Jernigan, Pattie Frances ..Germany
1931 Johnson, Willie R. F. D. No. 2
1931 Johnson. Mrs. Willie R. F. D. No. 2
1915 Jones, Mrs. Clarence W R. F. D. No. 2
1937 Jones. J. Elbert 323 Blanche St.
1927 [ones, Mrs. J. Elbert 323 Blanche St.
1952 Jordan. Judy Greensboro, N. C.
1952 Jordan, Larry Greensboro, N. C.
1952 Jordan. Rachel Greensboro, N. C.
1949 Justice. Roy R. F. D. No. 2
1945 Justice. Mrs. Roy R. F. D. No. 2
1949 Justice. Gene Spencer R. F. D. No. 2
Forty-Nine
951 Justice, Paula R. F. D. No. 2
915 Keller, Mrs. Paul 315 Church St.
956 Reiki, Elisabeth 315 Church St.
950 Lamm. Mrs. Willie, fr Raleigh, X. C.
50 1 assitcr, Ayden 1) .....220 Church St.
921 Lassiter, Mrs. Ayden 1) 220 Church St.
948 Lassiter, fames D 220 Church St.
950 Lassiter. Joseph Parham .220 Church St.
957 Lee, Aubrey Gene 311 Second St.
950 Lee, Jerry Duke Four Oaks, N. C.
958 Lovelace, Curtis R. F. D. No. 1
I95S Lovelace. Mrs. Curtis R. F. D. No. 1
'5-1 Lynch, Mrs. Virginia Second St.
955 Lynch. Dayland Second St.
1955 Lynch, Julian Second St.
955 Lynch, Wayland Second St.
957 MahaHey, Billy Howard .Pythian Home
948 Mai tin, Mrs. W. C 312 Blanche St.
1953 Mayo, John W 302 Fayetteville St.
1937 Mayo, Mrs. John W 302 Fayetteville St.
1955 Mayo. Cherrill 302 Fayetteville St.
1956 Mayo, Eleanor 302 Fayetteville St.
1906 McCullers, E. Warren 105 Main St.
1943 McCullers. Mrs. E. Warren 105 Main St.
1955 Mecllin. Davis ......323 Second St.
1955 Medlin. Mrs. Davis .323 Second St.
[955 Medlin, Charles 323 Second St.
1955 Medlin, Thomas 32,'! Second St.
955 Mecllin, Ronald 323 Second St.
951 Misner, Mrs. R. H., Jr. Raleigh. X. C.
915 Mitchell. Mrs. Carl ..' ....R. F. 1). No. 2
941 Mitchell. Curtis Clayton. X. C.
911 Mitchell. Herbert 207 Main St.
955 Mitchell. Mrs. John A. 355 Second St.
945 Mitchell, Johnnie P. 529 Barbour St.
910 Mitchell, Mrs. Johnnie B. 529 Barbour St.
955 Mock. Mis. Minnie Raleigh. X. C.
915 Moore, Mis. E. M 100 Lombard St.
95S Moore. Mis. Live Clark ...Goldshoro, X. C.
915 Moore-. Jimmy Goldshoro. X. C.
955 Moore. Mis. Herman Main St.
947 Mooncyham, Mrs. C. M. 222 O'Xeil St.
920 Move. Mrs. Onia R. F. I). Xo. 2
946 Nelson, Caroline Ann Washington, D. C.
1932 Xelson, J. F 467 Second St.
Fifty
1934 Nelson. Mrs. J. E __ ...167 Second St.
1948 Nelson, Virginia 467 Second St.
1950 Newton. Elbert Clay Raleigh. N. C.
1956 Norris. Janet Sue R. F. 1). No. 2
191 1 O'Neil, Cedric Virginia
1945 O'Neil, Mrs. Cedric Virginia
1917 O'Neil. E. W 402 Fayetteville St.
1958 O'Neil, Mrs. E. W 402 Fayetteville St.
1958 O'Neil, Finest William .....402 Fayetteville St.
1958 O'Neil. Howell Watson 402 Fayetteville St.
1948 Parrish, Mrs. Mildred ....O'Neil St.
1951 Peele, Stanley _R. F. D. No. 1
1951 Peele. Mrs. Stanley R. F. 1). No. I
1950 Peele. W. R. .. R. F. I). No. 1
1950 Peele. Mrs. W. R R. F. D. No. 1
1936 Peele, W. R.. Jr. 112 O'Neil St.
1956 Peele, Mrs. W. R.. Jr. 112 O'Neil St.
1911 Penn. Mrs. W. S. 310 Fayetteville St.
1920 Penn. Ft. Col. William S .Ft. Bliss, Texas
1951 Penney, Joseph .11 Moore St.
1919 Pleasant. ' Elcoy (Tom) 218 Whitaker St.
1951 Poole, |. W. 403 Stallings St.
1954 Poole, Mrs. f. W 403 Stallings St.
1909 Pope, Mrs. Mildred B 307 Lombard St.
1915 Pounds. E. A R. F. D. No. 2
1954 Pounds, Mrs. E. A R. F. 1). No. 2
1951 Pounds. Woodson R. F. 1). No. 2
1954 Pounds. Mrs. Woodson R. F. 1). No. 2
195 I Powell, Faye Pythian Home
1946 Pruden, Cordon Raleigh, N. C.
1946 Pruden, Mis. Cordon ..Raleigh. N. C.
1943 Rasor. Brooks M. 135 Home St.
1928 Rasor. Mrs. Brooks M 135 Home St.
1953 Rasor. Mrs. J. W 135 Home St.
1917 Richardson, Sarah 461 E. Second St.
1946 Robertson. Battle M 312 Lombard St.
1898 Robertson. Mrs. B. M 30^ Lombard St.
1955 Robertson. Elizabeth Carolina 315 Home St.
1918 Robertson. John B 312 Lombard St.
1935 Robertson, Mrs. John B 312 Lombard St.
1927 Robertson. Sam E. 315 Home St.
1916 Robertson, Mrs. Sam E. 315 Home St.
1956 Rogers, Mrs. Sallie Parker 318 Fayetteville St.
1918 Rose. Mrs. L. T 329 Barbour St.
1940 Sanders. David Garner, N. C.
Fifty-One
915 Sanders, Mrs. R. W 315 Lombard St.
1928 Sanders. R. \\'.. Jr . 301 Lombard St.
9.50 Sanders. Mis. R. \Y\, Jr. .301 Lombard St.
931 Satterfield, David (.. R. F. D. No. 1
952 Satterfield, Mrs. David G R. F. D. Xo. 1
1932 Satterfield, Mrs. Shields 223 Blanche St.
934 Satterfield, Virginia Lee 223 Blanche St.
952 Sealey, fames K. __ Pythian Home
950 Sealey, Janice R. F. 1). Xo. 2
1954 Sell. Jennie V Supply, N. C.
'951 Sell. Linda ._ Pythian Home
1951 Sell, Roy Pythian Home
935 Smith. Anna ...212 Barbour St.
935 Smith. Mis. Frank 213 O'Neil St.
919 Smith. Franklin Xeil 213 O'Neil St.
915 Spikes. Lucille Raleigh, X. C.
919 Starling, Julian S. 215 Home St.
1911 Starling, Mrs. Julian S. 215 Home St.
1957 Stephenson, James 205 Lombard St.
1957 Stephenson. Mrs. James ...205 Lombard St.
1910 Stephenson, Mrs. Lonnie 205 Lombard St.
1950 Stephenson, Ray 205 Lombard St.
(955 Strickland. Sam B 321 Home St.
910 Strickland, Mrs. Sam B 321 Home St.
901 Talton, C. R 529 Second St.
915 Talton. Mrs. C. R 529 Second St.
!932 Talton, Max New Bern, X. C.
919 Turner, Colon R. F. D. Xo. 2
1949 Turner, Mrs. Colon R.F. D. No. 2
1955 Turner, Janet Lee .....R. F. D. No. 2
1911 Vinson. James T R. F. D. Xo. 1
1949 Vinson, Mrs. James T. R. F. D. Xo. 1
915 Wall, Mrs. A. B., Jr Cheyenne, Wyoming
943 Wall. Mrs. Dan ...'. 305 Flamby St.
917 Wall. Delma 220 Ellington St.
918 Wall. Mrs. Delma 220 Ellington St.
955 Wall. Edith DeLayne 120 Main St.
(918 Wall. Mrs. Robert 120 Main St.
1915 Wall, Mrs. R. A. 319 Stallings St.
1910 Wall. Wallace \ugusta. Georgia
951 Wallace, Mrs. Ernest 201 Blanche St.
95 1 Walters. Bobby Jean R. F. D. Xo. 1
954 Walters. Eunice ......R. F. D. Xo. 1
1946 Wannamaker, Mrs. Emmitt Greenwick, Conn.
951 Weathers, Hal Pythian Home
Fifly-Tzoo
North Carolina State Library
1943 Weight, Mrs. Maxine Dock! Washington, I). C.
1952 Whitley. Billy .HI 8 Blanche St.
1898 Whitley, Mrs. Nina .....215 Home St.
1955 Williams. Constance Prist ilia Raleigh. \. (',.
1951 Wilson, David 1 2o Home St.
1952 Woodbury, Robert W ...Pythian Home
1914 Young, Mrs. Garland 123 Blanche St.
1910 Young, John A 123 Blanche St.
Fifty-Three
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Home Memorial Methodist Church (Clayton
The History of Home Memorial Methodist
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DATE DUE
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Clavton N.C Home Memorial
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itv^ history of Horne Memorial l
ThSeKS Church, Clayton, North
Carolina, 1859-1959
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Clayton, N. C. Home Memorial . 3thodist
Church. Wesleyan Service Guild
The history of Horne Memorial Methodist
Church, Clayton, North Carolina,
1859-1959
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THE HISTORY OF HORNE MEMORIAL METHODIST
CHURCH, CIAYTON, NORTH CAROLINA,
1859-1959
Clayton, N.C. Home Manorial Methodist
Church. Wesleyan Service Guild
North Carolina State Library
Raleiqh
'Behold. I stand at the door and knock."
Revelation 3:20
I he History oi
Home riemorial I'letnoaist (jniircn
Javton, IMortli v Carolina
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/historyofhornemeOOwesl
Tke
History
of
llorne iHemorial /Methodist Onurcn
I Jayton, iMorth Uarolina
1859-1959
by
I he \\ eslevan oervice Uuilo
F( )R
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Sunday, April 12, 1959
: '
Ulcsleoan ^rriitrr (Swift Qlumpiles History
rhc Weslcyan Service Guild gives to employed women of the
church an opportunt) to fellowship, to have a definite part in the
work of the Woman's Society of Christian Service, and to enrich their
spiritual lives.
The Guild of Hornc Memorial Methodist Church began in Jan-uary
1943.' Mrs. Carl YV. Barbee, wife of the minister at that time, was
responsible for the organization, and site was installed as the first
president. Other presidents were as follows: Mrs. Gordon Pruden,
Mrs. Shelbon Hall, Mrs. E. W. O'Neil, Mrs. V. M. Holland (elected
hut unable to serve) . Mrs. Ernestine Butler. Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh,
Mrs. James T. Vinson, Mis. Garland Young, and Miss Virginia Satter-field.
Although the Guild is only sixteen years old. it has been one
of the most active units of our church, and during the years has under-taken
several outstanding projects. We have contributed many times
to needy families in the community, and have sent packages overseas.
For several years we have made quarterly donations to the Children's
Division of out Church School. We have also presented Life Member-ships
in the Woman's Society of Christian Service to Mrs. Y. M.
Holland, Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh, Mrs. fames T. Vinson, and Mrs.
Garland Young.
One oi our happiest experiences has been the compiling of this
histoiA ol our chinch. We hope you enjoy it, and may it mean as
much to you now and in the years to come as it means and will
continue to mean to us.
Church History Committee
Miss Sarah Richardson, Chin.
Mrs. Ernestine Butler
Mrs. Shelbon Hall
Miss Virginia L. Satterfield
Mrs. fames T. Vinson
Mrs. Garland Young
Two
7he MinUi^ui oi the Gkutck
Bishop Paul \. Garber
The Methodist Church
Richmond Area
Richmond, Virginia
The Reverend Graham Eubanks
Distru t Superintendent
Raleigh District
The Rev. Clyde H. Dunn
Home Memorial Methodist Church
Clavton, North Carolina
TJnee
MeMacfe j^nxmi au/i MimlieA,
The first impression received upon arriving at our appointment
in Clayton was the friendliness of the community. This first impres-sion
is one that has become fixed and permanent after living in Clay-ton
and becoming a part of it. Clayton has indeed been a home for
us. This is not only because of the friendships which we have made
but also because it is the birthplace of two of our three boys.
Home Memorial Methodist Church also has a very important
place in our lives. I have been impressed by the deep loyalty and de-votion
ol so many of the faithful members. Even though there is a
segment of inactive members, 1 am continually grateful for the sup-port
which has been given me during my years as pastor of this
church.
In a few months we will be leaving the United States to serve
among a people of a different race and a different tongue. As we go to
Southeast Asia to proclaim the "unsearchable riches of Christ," we shall
take with us the love and concern of the people of this community
and this church. The joyous experiences and rich fellowships which
we have had will abide with us always.
Clyde H. Dunn
Home Memorial Methodist
Church
Clayton, North Carolina
1956-1959
I'oil)
HORNE MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH
1859 - 1959
One hundred years ago, April 1859, a new child was born to the
Methodist Episcopal Chinch, South. This new baby, the Clayton
Methodist Church, was organized and a plot of land consisting of
one-halt acre was deeded by Joseph M. Smith on April 15. 1859, to
the newly appointed trustees: Harry Durham, Samuel S. Turner,
Lucian H. Sanders, Milliard Strickland, and William H. Meddlers.
Jr. This deed of trust, written in long hand, was subscribed to by
three witnesses to the instrument: they were Lemuel Shell, Benjamin
Trolinger, and f. Dal Smith.
fust prior to this. February 19, 1859, the quarterly conference
report of the Smithfield circuit read thus: "The following committee
was appointed a building committee to build a church at Clayton:
Harry Durham, William H. McCullers, Jr., Benjamin Trolinger, Sam-uel
Turner, and Lucian H. Sanders." At this time the Reverend Wil-liam
Clop was presiding elder, the Reverend Lucian Shell, preacher in
charge: and John R. Brooks, associate pastor.
Our first building, as erected under the leadership of these men,
was a small square frame building, without steeple, and set behind
a small grove ol oaks. While there is no available list of charter mem-bers,
there are live families now remembered, the known members
being Harry Durham. Martha Durham, Delia Durham, Emma Dur-ham.
Mr. and Mis. John W. O'Xeil. Mis. Nancy Barnes and some
of her children, Mrs. Delia A. Ellington, and the Reverend Hines
Whitaker and some ol his family.
Our first pastors, the Reverend Lucian Shell and the Reverend
John R. Brooks, 1859-61, were circuit riders with the following churches
on their circuit: Clayton, Smithfield, Elizabeth, Bentonville, Boon Hill.
Sanders's School House. Turner's School House, I). Smith's School
House, Pine Level and /ion. and Elevation. Ibis was the Smithfield
Circuit. From the minutes of the first quarterly conference of I860,
our church was apportioned §30 lor current expenses for the year!
At that same meeting, those present decided to hold the next quarter-ly
conference in Clayton, this being the first to be held in our church.
Under the leadership of the Reverend Carson Parker, preacher
(1861-62) there must have been some division in interest between home
and foreign missions, lor one of Mr. Parker's reports to quarterly con-ference
was as follows: "The Presiding elder (William Clop) brought
to the consideration of the conference our missionary apportion. On
motion it was seconded that the preacher in charge be requested to
take up a missionary collection where he may deem it proper and
that each donor designate whether they wish the money applied to
home or foreign missions."
Five
During the latter part oi 1861, |. I). Buie was added as associate
preacher. At the same time Samuel J. Turner and William Durham
were elected trusties of our Clayton church. In lSlil^, under the same
ministers, Main Durham and I.. II. Sanders were elected stewards.
N'ow, in 1863, the Reverend L. S. Burkhead, our new minister
(or circuit rule?) reported, "As I have been so short oJ time on the
circuit, I am not prepared to report the condition ol the Sabbath
School. I have received none into the church and have expelled
none."' In Jul) of the same year. 1863, lie reported that there was
onl\ one Sabbath School "in the bounds"—that he had been unable
to start others due to the state ol the country (Civil War time) ; how-ever,
he s;u'd in March 1864, "There is one Sabbath School at Smith-field
in a health) condition. Out members at Clayton are cooperat-ing
in a Union Sabbath School at that place." Mr. burkhead also
reported at this time the names of members received into full con-nection
at Clayton: W. f. Jones. Harnett A. Jones. Ellen Kllis, Lucius
Bryan. Marx J.
kllis. Pattie Pool. Amelia Pool. Jinimie Strickland,
Susan A. Rhem. Fannie E. Rhcni. Eumanius funis and Joanna Moody.
Mi. Burkhead made another report to quarterly conference on
March 12. 1864, which was very significant: "The trustees of the
Church at Clayton bee; leave to report that the church and an half
acre ol land have been properly secured to the M. E. Church, South.
by Deed. The Church is not finished: it lacks enclosing with a suit-able
finish, plastering, painting, and a stove. The trustees hope to be
able to finish the Church at some time but perhaps not until the
war ends. Respectfully submitted, I Iain Durham. S. S. Turner, I,.
II. Sanders, Milliard Strickland. Win. H. Me ( aiders. Jr."
Out preacher in charge during 1865-67 was the Reverend Joseph
Wheeler, who, in spite ol the Civil War, managed to keep the Clay-ion
Church in operation though he stated that "owing to the peculiar
and exciting times upon us, our religious interests have greatly suf-fered."
He further stated that "Three Sabbath Schools were in suc-cessful
operation at the beginning ol the year, with promise of good.
These schools have been suspended because of the passage of hostile
troops through the country. Most ol the churches have been closed
loi a time and the church at Bentonille burned. Under the providence
ol God we have resumed out labours and hope to see the work of
God revive."
Mr. Wheeler's hopes and prayers were certainl) heeded for he
reported to quarterly conference, September 30, 1866, that the fol-lowing
twenty persons had been received into the Clayton Church:
I homas Sullivant, G. W. Gulley, Madison Durham. Robert Durham,
Christopher Jones, J. W. Crocker, A. J. Ellis, Roxanna Sullivant, Tran-
Six
quilla Joins. Cornelia F. Lee, |osiah Duncan, W. H. Ellis,
f. C.
Ellis, Charles P. Lee. 1). W. Boon, George W. Ellis, Rebecca Ellis,
Etta McCullers, Mollie McCullers, and Julia A. Bryan.
Again the task of Sunday School work in Clayton came to light.
The Reverend T. Page Ricaud, 1867-68, said in a report, "We also pro-pose
to inaugurate the Sunday School work at Clayton in a few
weeks, and hope it will be successful. This same Mr. Ricaud, twelve
years later in Wilmington, North Carolina, met and led Yao-ju Soong
to Christ and arranged for his education in this country. Through
his Christian influence, his daughter who became Madame Chiang
Kai-shek converted her husband, the Generalissimo, to Christianity,
giving one of the world's oldest civilizations its first Christian leader.
Sometimes church members were reprimanded for violating
church rules. The following is a report read before quarterly con-ference
on May II, 1868. by the pastor, the Reverend A. R. Raven; it
is a good illustration of the church at that time:
"J he spiritual condition of the churches on this circuit at most
of the appointments is improving. At others the cause of religion
has been seriously injured by many of our members engaging in danc-ing
who do not only manifest no signs of penitence but contend that
it is not wrong and that it is no violation of the rides of our church
because not specified in so many words. Six members have been ex-pelled
from our chinch dining the past quarter, three for dancing
and three for drunkenness."
Dr. R. Hooker, a local preacher, was brought to account lor
drunkenness. He was permitted to make an extended statement as
to his conduct before the conference; and after making an honest con-fession
and showing a penitent spirit, he was not put on trial. He
was. however, suspended from preaching for a while.
A steward since the beginning of our church, Harry Durham re-signed
in 1869. At that time, Lucian Bryan and Eumanius Ennis were
appointed stewards. The next year J. B. Beckwith was appointed a
trustee in the place of Harry Durham.
The year 1871 brought to this Smithfield Circuit the first preacher
who stayed as long as three years, the Reverend J. E. Thompson (1871-
71) . There were times when he. as ministers today, was discouraged.
One of his reports on the state of the chinch at quarterly conference
was as follows: "I think there has been some improvement in the
condition of the Church; but I must say that as far as 1 am capable
of judging, the onward movement has been slow. We have had some
revival influence, some awakening and conversion of sinners, but this
has not been general. There are many things to be corrected in
Seven
spiritual things to which God has tailed them." He also gave these
figures for the circuit: 409 white and 5 colored members, 16 adults
and one infant baptized.
Another familiar family name appeared in a notation of our
next preacher, the Reverend James F. Smoote (1874-76) : "Three weeks
ago our church enjoyed a gracious revival influence with the Bap-tist
Church at Clayton, and three joined our church—John W. O'Neil
and wife, and Delia Durham.'' At the end of Mr. Smotte's first year,
he wrote. "We have been visited with a gracious revival influence
at six of the appointments. Between 40 and 50 have professed to
find peace by believing in Jesus."
Churches throughout these fifteen years have been chopped from
and added to the Smithfield Circuit. At this time, 187 1. it included the
following churches: Smithfield, Selma, Princeton, Zion, Sanders's School
House, Adams, Massengills, Antioch, Elizabeth, Clayton, and Eleva-tion.
Imagine one preacher in charge of so many churches, in horse
and buggy days!
The Reverend Joseph H. Wheeler, though he served only one
year, reported that a meeting of considerable interest was held during
that year, 1876-77. New members were received, but their names were
not given. Then the Reverend R. M. Brown (1877) continued in the
same trend by saying that attendance at preaching was very good and
that some good feelings were manifested. He ended by adding, "We
are hopeful of results. Brethren, pray for us." On November 2.H. 1878,
he mentioned that the church house at Clayton was being repaired to
make it more comfortable. Some of his new members are familiar
names to us: Ella Barnes. Arthur G. Smith, \V. I. Whitley, Nancy Whit-lev,
James J. Turner, and Gray Gulley.
The Sunday Schools under the Reverend P. I.. Herman (1879-
81) weie "all in tolerable state of prosperity." The superintendent
of our "prosperous" Clayton Sunday School was nines Whitaker.
The Reverend M. C. Thomas in 1881 felt that "the spiritual wel
fare of the children is a matter of prayerful, practical concern." Also
at this church conference, in going over the rolls, he found that
"there are a number who have been and are still walking disorderly,
some of whom will have to be expelled, and in the cause of discipling,
may have to be admonished." A few months later Mr. Thomas added.
"The membership is made up in good part of those who are true
and faithful to the church, having a number who are of but little
benefit to the church, and some who are none at all."
At the fourth quarterly conference in 1881. Dr. L. E. Kirkman
made a motion that the conference request the Bishop to divide the
Eight
Smithfield Circuit and put Elizabeth and Clayton in the Hannah's
Creek Mission. The motion was carried, and this was done immedi-ately.
Very little is known about our church Ik, in this time, 1881-1889,
except the nanus of the ministers: R. C. Beaman (1881), A. M. Lowe
(1882), A. E. Wiley (1883-86), B. C. Allied (1886-88), R. W. Bailey
(1888-89) . One notation of interest during this time was that Mrs.
Ida C. H. Home was church organist in bSKii. Though the records are
unavailable1
, a lew items have been gleamed from the Clayton Bud
(later the Clayton Nexus) :
"The Johnston County Sunday School Convention of the
M. E. Church, South, convenes at Smithfield on next
Sundax the 2!)th instant. The following named ladies
and gentlemen have been appointed as a committee to
represent Clayton Sundax School on the above occasion:
Misses Alice Lindsay, Ella Barnes and Bettie Sturdivant;
Messrs. T. A. Bingham. John W. O'Neil, C. C. Barbour,
and Johnnie Barnes. All who attend can rely upon having
a good time for the good people of Smith field are noted
for their hospitality and we can guarantee everyone a
pleasant time in our sister town."
November 25, IKK5
"The first quartely meeting of the- M. E. Church will
be held at the church in Clayton next Saturday and
Sundax. The Reverend Dr. \. IE 1). Wilson will preside."
March 21. 1886
"Reverend A. E. Wiley made a very interesting talk to
the children ol the M. E. Sunday School last Sundax
morning, and we are very much pleased to hear him sax
he would do so again soon."
June 30, 1886
In The Clayton Bud. September I, 1886, the' statement was that
services were held in Clayton every fourth Sundax ol the month.
This question appeared also: "Why can't Clayton have a regular
Sundax service at some of her churches every Sabbath: Is it because
she is good enough?"
Under the new pastor, the Reverend B. C. Allied, the following
familiar names appeared in the list of Sundax School officers in
January 1887: superintendent, (). G. Smith: assistant superintendent.
J. W. Ellis: secretary, John Barnes; treasurer, Miss Jennie Barnes; or-ganist,
Miss Kittie Ellington: librarian and sexton. Isaac Farmer.
\i))t
1889-1911
The church continued to grow undei the leadership ol the
Reverend R. W. Bade) during the year 1888-89. P>\ the next con-ference
year, 1889-90, under the guiding hand ol the Reverend A. R.
Ra%ren, pastor, the membership decided that after thirt) years of con-tinuous
use, the first (lunch building needed a "face lifting" and en-larging.
At this time the people wanted a steeple; so one was built on
it. and within it was placed a bell, the very same hell which is beckon-ing
worshipers toda\ in 1959 to God's House-.
Though the records from 1889 to the turn ol the century are
\ci\ inadequate, there is no doubt that the (hutch continued to grow
spiritualr) and in membership unclei the following ministers: the
Reverend J. J. Barker, 1890-92; the Reverend J. M. Ashby, 1892-95;
the Reverend M. M. McFarland, 1895-96; the Reverend J. T. Draper,
1896-99: the Reverend S. A. Cotton. 1899-1901.
Ten
Under Mr. Barker the following people joined the church: Mrs.
Pattie Duncan Barnes, Bettie Smith. A. R. Duncan, Mrs. Alma L.
McCullers, E. B. McCullers, Mrs. Lena Barbour. Under Mr. Ashbv
these names appeared: John S. Barnes, Joseph T. Barnes, and Mrs.
Emma L. Farmer. Many will be interested to recall that Mrs. Farm-er
was a niece of Mr. Ashby, and she came here to live with him
before she was married. She has remained up to 1959 a faithful
Christian member.
Mrs. Martha E. Gattis joined the church under Mr. McFarland.
Fhe names of Mrs. Nina Duncan Whitley, Mrs. Claudia Robertson,
Dr. J. J. Young, Porter T. Duncan, David Barbour, and Julia Robert-son
appeared in Mr. Diaper's records.
On October 14, 1899, Mr. Draper said in a quarterly conference
report, "1 believe we have some as faithful Christians on the Clayton
circuit as can be found anywhere and they are constantly growing in
grace.
Clayton was on a circuit with four other churches at this time:
Elizabeth, Mount Zion, Four Oaks, and Corinth. Garner had been
removed from this circuit the year before.
Finder the Reverend S. A. Cotton our stewards in 1900 were
E. B. McCullers and O.G. Smith; Sunday School superintendent, C.
M. Thomas; Trustees, O. G. Smith, J.
1)! Adams, J. M. Dodd, E. B.
McCullers, and C. W. Home. Mr. Cotton in his report of the general
state of the church in 1901 uttered these remarks, "The general state
of the church is reasonably good, not so good as it should be but there
are many signs of encouragement. Since our last quarterly meeting we
have received into the church Mrs. Bessie B. Home and lost by death
one of our oldest and most faithful members. Brother Mcrritt Hol-land
of the Clayton membership." In 1902, he received by profession
of faith Mabel Tomlinson. In his educational report at third quarter-ly
conference, he said. "We have only one student attending our church
schools.— Miss Floy Leach, who is at G. F. C." (Greensboro Female
College.)
In addition to other duties, the minister marries couples: Mr. Cot-ton
performed the wedding ceremony of Ivan Whitley and Nina
Duncan.
In 1902. under the Reverend G. W. Fisher, other names appear
in the records: Eli/a Barnes, fames E. Ellis, A. J. Farmer, Beulah
L. Durham, and Phoebe Lancaster. Mr. Fisher reported a good Sun-day
School in Clayton. He also organized a junior Epworth League
and made plans for organizing a Senior League, too. The records show,
also, that the Missionary Society came into being in 1904 and became
the strongest bulwark of the Church. Mrs. E. B. McCullers was its
Eleven
first president; Mrs. Lena A. Barbour, secretary-treasurer; and Mrs.
I). M. Robertson, corresponding secretary. These ladies went to Fre-mont
to a Mission ar\ Conierencc but lound upon arrival that they
were a week earlv! They planned not to tell alx>ut this when thev re-turned;
mi ilu\ stopped to spend the night in Goldsboro with rela-tives.
The news preceded them to Clayton, however!
In the Fishers, while thc\ were here, was born a son, the pre-seni
Reverend Edgar B. Fisher, named for Edgar B. McCullers.
Then. too. before Mr. Fisher completed his fourth year here, he
united in marriage B. M. Robertson and Claudia Mitchell.
The Reverend f. [. Renn was assigned to us next, but death
overcame him before he ever arrived. The Reverend Joseph V.
Williams who had served a mission in the bowery in New York City,
came lot that year. Mrs. Emma F. Ellis and E, W. McCullers joined
the (lunch that year. Then, a much loved and respected minister,
the Reverend G. B. Starling, came and seised this Clayton charge
for toui years (1906-1910). This Mr. Starling has a brother, Julian
Starling, who. with his wife, worships regularlv in this church today
(1959).
Ehough Mi. Starling in main ot his reports seemed quite dis-turbed
about the spiritual state ol main membeis, much progress
was made. Again the circuit was changed: this time it included Oaky
Grove and Mount /ion in addition to Clayton. Mam people joined
the church either by profession oi faith or b\ certificate; some ot those
who still have families here are A. Sam White, Mrs. Serena Robert-son,
V. Duke Duncan. Ashby Farmer, Garland Young, B. M. Robert-son,
Evan Whitley, Y. M. Holland. Mrs. A. R. Duncan. Mildred Bar-bom
(Pope). Garland Talton, Hugh A. Page, Carmin Gattis (Aus-tin).
|aspei Godwin, Rossella Mitchell. Mis. Cadmus Young, Dr. J.
H. vustin, Vshley Home, Jr.. and Mr. and Mrs. John A. Young. (To-day
Mr. John Young is oui oldest living member.)
During the time that Mr. Stalling was our minister, the Reverend
J. B. John was the Presiding Elder. He. too, was greatly loved where-
\ci he went. Ibis church is still privileged to claim his daughter. Mar-garet
(Mis. X. T. ) Holland as a member.
Shortly before the end ol Mr. Starling's pastorate in Clayton,
Mis. E. B. McCullers called him to hei home and suggested that we
needed a new chinch building. He agreed, and Mrs. McCullers wrote
a preamble calling lot subscriptions to build a S10,000 chinch and
headed the list with SI,000.
Main members knew that it just could not be done, but Mrs.
McCullers and Mr. Starling nevei gave up; their enthusiasm soon
Twelve
began to spread.
Early in 191] timing the pastorate ol the Reverend C .W. Robin-son,
a building committee' was appointed, consisting of E, B. Meddlers,
Charles \V. Home. B. M. Robertson, John 1. Barnes, and A. Sam
White. In October, 1911, Mr. Ashley Home joined the church and
was at once made chairman of the building committee. He suggested
that the) build a better church than the) had planned; so the plans
were changed without a limit. Mrs. Rena B. Home, Mrs. Lena A.
Barbour, and Mrs. E. B. McCullers had much to do with the beauti-ful
architecture of the chinch. The first plan had no cupola, but Mr.
Home said a chinch did not look light without a cupola and bell.
The old building, now about 53 years old. had become sacred
to many and the destruction of it brought sorrow to many. The bell,
however, as mentioned before, was saved to be placed in the new
building.
Mr. Robinson, minister, expressed regrets that "In view ol the
fact that we arc now building in Clayton, we cannot hold a meeting
(revival) here this fall." He. as did Mr. Starling before him, in spite
of disruption due to building, pressed the work ol the Sunday School
under the leadership ol Mr. A. Sam White, superintendent.
1916—1959
Thirteen
Mr. George \\ . Ellis was employed as builder and began work
in il'IJ. I'hc membership named die church Saint [anas Methodist
Church soon after the construction began; however, after Mr. Ashley
Home's \cr\ unexpected deatli the following year, they, in appreciation
ol his noble and generous help, decided to call it Home Memorial
Mr Uodisi Church.
At Mi. Ashley Home's death in October 1913, his son, Mr.
Charles W. Home, was made chairman ol the building committee,
and he carried on the work with all the fervor and zeal possible
until the building was Unshed, furnished, and paid lor. Main times
it seemed that the work would stop lot lack of funds; but the peo-ple
then would rail) to the cause and pay more money until their
elloits were crowned with success.
The Reverend G. S. Bearden, who was with us from 1913-15,
gave a picture of conditions in one of his reports: "We are looking
toward a bright future. The congregation has been hampered for
the want of a comfortable place to worship; going from school house
to the indicated basement of the new church. Hut these conditions
are changed. Our women ate regularly organized in their society and
all departments ol the work are being looked alter by them: Cradle
Roll, and the Bright Jewels Society. In June, a Wesley Bible Class
for men was organized with 42 members. The Ladies' Weslev Bible
Class has also been organized."
The building program continued to progress well under the
guidance ol the Reverend G. S. Bearden (1913-15) and the Reverend
T. A. Svkes (1915-17). Regular set vices and other meetings were
held in the basement ol the church. The Bright Jewel Society of the
church under the direction of Mrs. V. M. Holland gave a "public
entertainment" at the Church (in the basement) in September 1915.
Also on September 3, 191"). the Clayton Nezvs said, "One of the most
enjoyable musical treats ever given in Clayton was the sacred concert
at Home Memorial Methodist Church, and that it was appreciated
was proven b\ the large audience of over 600 people who listened
with eagei interest horn the first number to the last number." This
concert, under the direction ol Mrs. Charles Gulley, brought into use
loi tin liist time the handsome new Mollei organ, which was played
b\ Mis. Kate Ha\es Fleming of Raleigh. Also assisting in the concert
were Messrs. Phillips and Betts ol Raleigh's Edenton Street Methodist
Church < hoii and bv Mr. fames Thomas, violinist.
rhough it was time lor Mr. Bearden to leave (December 1915).
the chinch was still not epiite completed. Early in January of 1916,
oui new pastor, die Reverend 1. A. Sykes (1915-17), told his congre-gation
that it was his present intention to hold the first service in
Fourteen
the sanctuary of the church about the first Sunday in February, "the
money to complete the interior having recently been provided." As
he predicted, the church was ready lor occupancy in 1916 at the cost
of SI 1.000. $3,000 of which was borrowed.
The beautiful art glass windows, which were given in memory
of William Henry Home, Cornelia Frances Home, John T. Pullen,
Delia Smith Ellington, Harry Durham, and our soldiers who served
in World War 1. were donated by Mrs. Ashley Home. Mr. Ashlev
Home, Jr., Mr. and Mis. Charles W. Home, Mis. Emma Ellington.
and the Wesley Bible Class. The pulpit furniture was donated by Mrs.
Lena A. Barbour in memory ol her husband. David W. Barbour. The
baptismal font was donated by Mrs. E. B. Meddlers in memory of her
son who had died. One hall of the pipe organ was paid lor by the
Andrew Carnegie Fund.
The notes were finally all paid and the church was dedicated
on Max II. 1910. by our next minister, the Reverend O. I. Hinson
(1917-1920). assisted by Dr. T. \. Ivey, who preached the dedicator)
sermon. For special music with Mis. Mildred Pope as organist. Mrs.
Waller Priddy, formerly Miss Swananoa Home, sang a solo, and Mr.
Don Richardson played a violin solo.
Now, with the church built and paid lor some ol the members
must have decided to rest by taking a vacation on Sunday mornings.
Mr. Hinson had this brief article in the Clayton News in April 1920:
"Did you choose visiting or automobiling instead of Sunday School?
The Loicl chose the Sabbath School, as was His custom. He went to
the House of God on the Sabbath. He was brought up to it."
Mr. Hinson believed in beginning his services on time and end-ing
on time. One night when Mrs. Mildred Pope, organist, walked in.
he was announcing the first hymn: only he and the jaintor were
present
November 1920 brought to us the Reverend C. I . Thrift, a new
minister to this conference. The choir, as always, was adding much
to the worship services. The Clayton News carried an account of their
Christmas cantata which was under Mrs. Charles G. Gulley's leader-ship.
Fhe program was declared "by those who heard it to be the
best ever rendered in Clayton." At the conclusion of the program, the
Reverend C. F. Thrift, our pastor, presented to Mrs. Mildred B. Pope
a beautiful silver basket, a gilt from the church in recognition of her
splendid services as organist.
During this time the Henrietta Thomas Missionary Society con-tinued
to grow in service and influence. Their officers in 1921 were
Mrs. D.W. Barbour. Mrs. B. M. Robertson. Mrs. John S. Barnes.
Mrs. Y. M. Holland. Mrs. W. S. Penn, and Mrs. R. A. Wall.
Fifteen
fcleafc Varo..iia .are Library
Raleigh
The Raleigh District Conference held its annual meeting in our
church in M;;v H/22. AI all the services the choir was in its place rend-ering
fine music. Presiding Elder, the Reverend ]. C. Wooten, ex-pressed
his great satisfaction. Again the Clayton News said, "The peo-ple
of Clayton were delighted with the results, for it was undoubtedly
one of the most successful things held in this town. The Reverend
C. 1. Thrift wore a broad smile and said, 'Me and Betty, we killed
the bear!' The District Conference was a huge success."
Dr. and Mrs. |. T. Gibbs followed the Thrifts. An elderly Chris-tian.
Dr. Gibbs brought to us a rich, humble, full life. He led the
congregation into a closer walk with God. At the end of one year
",vith us, he, on account of his age, decided to superanuate; therefore,
the conference selected another wonderful parsonage family for us,
the Reverend Marvin Y. Self, Mrs. Self, and son. Harold. Immediately
upon arrival, Mrs. Self jokingly remarked. "What's the matter with
you folks, keeping a preacher only a year? We are in the habit of stav-ing
lour years." They stayed lour years, and truly no minister and
family had ever been more respected or loved. They worked on the
Church register and brought it up to date, and they added to the
chinch family seventy-nine new members. There was a good Sunday
School with Mis. Y. M. Holland the first woman superintendent.
Vcrv regretfully the- congregation gave them up at the end of lour
years, feeling that they had never had a more beloved pastor and
family.
Dr. and Mrs. (. B. Hurley came to us then. He was another elderly
gentleman who had walked with God many years. Mr. Self, before
him, had paved the way lor another line leader, and Dr. Hurley
carried on diligently the wonderful work. According to the records,
fifty-two new members came into the chinch during his one year ol
ministry with us.
Dr. J. B. Hurley left us at the end of this year to go to Maxton.
To lake his place, came the Reverend and Mrs. E. D. Dodd (1928-30) .
Notations complimentary of the Sunday School appear in the records
under Mr. Dodd's leadership. Mr. W. S. Penn, then and for many
vears. served as a faithful secretary. Some of the adult classes were en-thusiastically
working: the Lena Barbour Bible Class under their
teacher, Mrs. J. M. Turley, and the Wesley Bible Class under the guid-ance
ol their president. Mis. R. W. Sanders. Along with his work in the
Sunday School and with the young people, Mr. Dodd will be remember-ed
lor a vcrv line revival he held. also. He was always enthusiastic and
eager: therefore, he was a good leader. Having been reared in Clay-ton
made the congregation even more appreciative of him.
The year 1930-31 brought to us a supply pastor who worked his
Eighteen
\va\ into the hearts ol many. This young man was the Reverend \V. I.
Wolverton. Among the man) things he did that yeai was the recon-struction
ol the building and the making benches for Calvar) Metho-dist
Church in a farming community five miles north ol Clayton. The
members, working with Mr. Wolverton and using Mr. John I. Barnes's
saw mill, did a $1,000 job for about $400. On October IS oi that year,
this new ( Inn < h was dedicated. Mr. Wolverton presented the Reverend
C. 1. 1 In ill. who started the work ol founding ii nine years prior to
this time. Preceding t lie dedicator) service, members of the church
with man) from Home Memorial, mother church of Calvary, joined to-gether
in a big picnic and barbecue dinner in the church yard.
On Sunday, August 20, 1931, Miss Grace Robertson presented to
the Sunda) School ;i picture of her father, the late Ii. M. Robertson.
who had been an active member. Mr. M. H. Wooten accepted this
gill on behall of the Sunda) School, and placed il in the class room
of the Men's Wesley Bible Class, ol which Mr. Robertson was a form-er
president.
When the Reverend B. H. Houston came to lead us lor a year,
he lound the following ladies steering the Henrietta Thomas Mission-ary
Society: Mrs. Walter Davis, Miss Margaret Arthur, Mis. J.
1..
Godwin, Mrs. A. Sam White, Miss Bettie Smith. Mrs. M. II. Wooten.
Mrs. John 1. Barnes, Mrs. H. G. Pope, and Mrs. Marshall Holland.
Another organization which has always backed the ministers is
the choir. So main references have ahead) been made to it. Through
the choirs, the Methodist and Baptist Churches worked so beautilulh
together. In the Clay/on News ol December 24, L931, was this state-ment:
"Home Memorial Methodist Church was tilled to capacity Sun-da\
evening, and an immense throng enjoyed to the lullest the pro-gram
ol Cristmas music given b) a chorus from the combined choirs
ol the Baptist and Methodist Churches under the direction of Mrs. A.
Sam White and Mr. \or\elle Bryan with Mis. Glenn Pope as organist.
Mi. Houston also reported that the Sunday School was doing line
with aboul 125 in attendance each Sunday. The two intermediate
classes were doing their part b) having 100 per cent present almost
every Sunday. Some ol the men who were in official position at this
time were I. W. Farmer, R. W. Sanders, H. A. Page, John I. Barnes.
A. Sam White. (). G. Smith. Y. M. Holland. C. W. Home, and W. A.
Davis.
Anothei young minister, the Reverend John A. Guice, came in
November 1932 to stay with us lor three and one-hall years (1932-
1936). Under him other names were added to the official list: Duke
Duncan. Mis. B. M. Roberton. J. S. Starling, Mrs. I). W. Barbour,
Xineteen
M. T. Lambeth, H. E. Brooks, J. R. Satterfiekl, J.
K. Nelson. Death
took another, Mrs. fohn A. Young, who was especially loved tor the
large amount ol visiting she did, particularly among those who need-ed
someone so mux h.
Mr. Guice made this repori to quarterl) conference in [anuary
1931: "We have made some distinct advance in our young people's
work. A league has been organized. These young people under the
leadership ol Mis. M. T. Lambeth and Mis-. Grace Robertson have
been meeting lor a month now on Sunda\ evenings. They have or-ganized
a boys' choir and are rehearsing cadi week. James Rile\ Barnes
is president ol this group." lie also repotted that Miss Rosa Smith
had joined out church In certificate and Mi. Jim Kllis was removed
by death. "The Church School gives evidence of being the most wide
awake work in our church. Attendance at the Sunday morning session
has been increasing lor some time with new members being added
each Sunday." (Quarterh Conference report, Ma\ 1935.)
The Reverend \V. Stanley Potter came to us in the middle of
this conference year. Exchanging conferences with Mr. Guice, he
came to us from Missouri, lb- lound some ol the organizations hard
at work. The Wesle) Bible Class needed some money; so thev served
,i turke\ dinner at the club house. Dinner was 50 cents including des-sert
and coffee! The Woman's Missionary Societ) was well attended
in the home ol Mrs. W. E. Pennington. Yes, the choir was still making
a great contribution; appearing in new white robes and black caps lor
the first time on Paster Sunda\ morning (1937), this choir gave a
beautiful program ol music under the direction ol Mrs. R. W. Sanders
with Mrs. Mildred Ik Pope, organist. One hundred new Methodist
Hymnals were used lor the first time at this same Paster service. The
Clayton News ol June H.">. 1938, carried this interesting item: "An
overflow c i owd greeted Gov. Clyde R. Hoe\ at 11 o'clock on Sun-day,
|une 19, u the regular worship service at Home Memorial Meth-odist
Church. His Excellenc) was introduced b\ the pastor, the Rev-erend
W. Stanley Potter." The Governor took as his topic, "The
Church," and spoke as only a great Christian lavman could speak. "It
•was a great message from a great heart."
Finally, the members ol the Board ol Stewards will never forget
the hospitality ol Mr. and Mrs. Potter or the delightful roast turkey
dinner they served at the parsonage.
During the annual conference in the fall ol 1939, the Bishop
took bom us oui beloved pastor and family, but he sent us another
who soon won the love ol his new congregation. This was the Rev-erend
P. O. Lee, who came to us from Maxton. His effective and
large prayer meeting groups on Wednesday evenings and his most
Twenty
effective work and popularity among the young people will long be
remembered by the church membership. The records show junior and
intermediate choirs and young people's pageants. When conference
sent Mr. and Mrs. Lee back to us for their third year, the Clayton
News said. "Mr. Lee's return met with the unanimous approval oJ
the membership of tin church. This is his third year in Clayton, the
past two years having been marked In unusual progress in the church
under his leadership."
In a social way, the Board oJ Stewards enjoyed a most appetizing
quail dinner annually in the home of Mr. and Mrs. l.ee. "No one,"
they said, "could serve them quite as graciousl) and well as Mr. and
Mrs. Lee."
Again the time came lor another minister. This time (1943-1947)
the new parsonage lamih was the Reverend and Mrs. Carl Barbee
and Suzie and Patsy. Happ\ or not, Mr. Barbee came with a most
winning smile which served as an inspiration to main during his
ministry here. Main have said. "Mr. Barbee was always at the right
place at the right time." Under the leadership of Mrs. Barbee, the
Wesleyan Service Guild came into being and became one ol tin
most dynamic organizations ol the church. Mis. Barbee served as the
first president and Mis. Cordon Pruden, as second. \ot onl\ among
his own members but throughout the community Mr. Barbee's good
influence was Felt.
In 1946, our organ had to be sent back to the factor) and re-built
at a cost of S3,200. This was paid lor b\ a legacy left lor this
purpose b\ Mrs. Lena A. Barbour in her will, which legacy was added
to through the efforts ol
J. R. Satterfield with the help ol man\
loyal friends. Chimes, given b\ Mr. and Mrs. Waite Hamrick in
memoiv ol their grandmother, Mrs. Lena Barbour, were installed.
At a very special service on January 12, 1947, the organ and chimes
were dedicated "To the g'lon ol Cod. and in menioi\ ol Mrs. Lena
A. Barbour, 1868-1944." Particiating in this service in addition to the
pastor, the Reverend Carl Barbee, were the following: E. B. Meddl-er's,
invocation; A. S; in White, scripture: Mrs. I)ewe\ Farrell, solo:
]. Ralph Satterfield, presentation of organ and chimes; John I. Barnes,
Si., and J. E. Nelson, unveiling of Plaque; Hugh A. Page, acceptance
of organ and chimes: the Reverend Eph Whisenhunt, prayer of dedi-cation:
John M. Meares, benediction.
Needless to say, the choii had a special anthem, too. Members
of the choir presented I lowers in grateful appreciation to Mrs. Carlotta
B. Sanders and Mrs. Mildred B. Pope, choir director and organist.
These two ladies were daughters of Mrs. Lena Barbour.
Twenty-One
()l interest to main will be the notation that one of our choicest
young people, Norwood [ones, a student in Duke Divinity School,
preached for us in February. 1917. Then in the fall of that year two
of our most devoted members, Mr. E. B. McCullers and Mr. A. Sam
White, departed this world lor their heavenly home.
I ime moved on and so did our parsonage family who had shared
a lull, rich spiritual life with us. To live with us and lead us for the
next two years (1947-1949) came the Reverend W. C. Martin and his
line wife. Mr. Martin came to us with a background of years of suc-cessful
ministry. A scholar and a very devout Christian, he seemed
to know so well the ail ol leading people to a closer relationship with
our l.oid and Master. Ik- worked closely with the Board of Stewards.
encouraging them to set the example for others. lie started the system
of rotation of stewards. Under his leadership, too. the streets abutting
the church property were paved.
Though Mr. Mai tin was physically sick during his second year
here, never was he at any time approaching spiritual illness. The Rev-erend
E. C. Durham, a retired minister of Raleigh, North Carolina,
very ably filled our pulpit when Mr. Martin's health kept him away.
On account ol his ill health, however, at the end of his second
year, Mr. Martin decided to retire. How happy was the membership
of Home Memorial when he selected Clayton to be his home. Though
retired, he is still active. He has meant a great deal to the Lena
Barbour Class as one of its very line teachers. That class, in fact the
whole chinch, still loves, honors, and respects him.
How Cod has blessed this church throughout the years with so
main wonderful ministers! When Mr. Martin had to give up preach-ing
regularly, the Reverend R. I.. Hethcox and his wife came to us
lor four years (1949-53). Never was there a parsonage lamih who
seemed to love the "'old parsonage" as did this new lamih. The
"covered dish" suppers, once called "covered bowl" by Mr. Hethcox.
highlighted main a happy fellowship hour during these years. Dur-ing
these same four years O. B. Welch was chairman ol the Board ot
Stewards loi three years and Shelbon Hall. one. These men. under
the prayerful guidance ol Mr. Hethcox, led this organization and the
congregation through many wonderful experiences. It was at this
time that the lour year plan lor Evangelism in the southeastern juris-diction
started. A concentrated invitation program began.
Other things were happening. In the summer of 1950, the mem-bers
ol the Lena Barbour Bible Class who had been working on a
class libiarx decided to name it the Grace Holland Library in incm-oi
\ ol one ol their former members who loved her class and her church
Twenty-Tiuo
devotedly. The class held a most impressive memorial service for her
soon alter her death in May, 1950.
As a means of saying a genuine "thank you" for their unselfish
contribution to the (lunch through the choir as director and organist,
the membership presented to the chinch, in honor of Mrs. Carlotta
B. Sanders and Mrs. Mildred B. Pope, a beautiful brass vase in which
flowers are arranged in the Sanctuary almost every Sunday.
Then to show appreciation to one of our most beloved members
lor his many years of sacrificial service, the church school in August
1953, under the leadership of the Lena Barbour Bible Class, present-ed
to the church in honor of Mr. John I. Barnes. Senior, a beautiful
brass candelabrum. About a month later Mrs. Julian Stalling, Mis.
Garland Young, E. \V. O'Neil, Mrs. Miley Johnson, and Mrs. A. P.
Cavenaugh presented an identical brass candelabrum to the church
in loving memory of their devout, Christian mother. Mrs. Jane Ed-wards
O'Neil.
Still another gift came to the church dining Mr. Hethcox's leader-ship.
Mr. Hugh Page. Senior, a great church leader, had placed an
order lor an attractive outside bulletin board to be placed on the
church lawn in memory of his wife, Mrs. Blanche Page. Before it ar-rived,
however, Mr. Page died. As a result, though it was a gift of
Mr. Page, the church erected it in memory ol the much loved couple.
Mr. and Mrs. Page.
Though Mi. Hethcox was sick during his fourth year,
neither his humble leadership nor his keen sense of humor lessened.
He will always be remembered and loved lor his devout life of faith
and humility, his love lor the Master and lor all his people. (By
means of parentheses, let it be said that one ol the happiest experi-ences
of our church life was the return of this beloved couple to Clay-ton
to live alter he retired four years later. They continue to I ill an
important place in Clayton, in Home Memorial Church, and in the
hearts of many.)
Going back to 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Hethcox packed up at the end
of lour years and left the "old parsonage." The Reverend and Mrs.
R. H. Caudill came to direct and guide our church for the next
three years (1953-56). Mr. Caudill was especially known for his
visiting. He also worked on revising the membership roll; and in so
doing, began work on publishing a church directory. With the help
of Mrs. Ayden Lassiter, this task was completed.
During his pastorate, four new brass collection plates were given
to the church by Mrs. J.
1). Bain, Mrs. Mildred B. Pope, and Mrs.
Tweniy-Tliree
EASTER 1959
Carlotta B. Sanders. Also Miss Faye Corbett. one of our members
and a leader of young people, presented a most inspiring electrically
lighted Cross to hang before the eves of the congregation at all ser-vices.
Then, too. Mis. Duke Duncan erave a most attractive silver can-delabrum.
Much repair work and painting were done, too. At the same time
the Wesley Bible Class decided to give iron railing for the lour sets
ol steps on the side ol the (lunch.
Mrs. Caudill made a big contribution to the church also by tak-ing
over the directing of the choir when illness caused Mis. Carlotta
B. Sanders to resign. Mr. Caudill and their son. Charles, also sang
in the lovely special musical services directed by Mis. Caudill. This
pastor will be remembered best lor his dynamic personality, his strik-ing
illustrations, and his varied experiences.
Finally, the story has reached the present time. Almost three years
ago in 1956, a line consecrated young man, the Reverend Clyde H.
Dunn, his wile and a small son, Mark, came to live with us and lead
us. Under his leadership, a new parsonage was planned, constructed,
and is being paid lor. Also, in love and appreciation lor Mr. H. C.
Abbott, a great Christian leader in our church, his line wile and
Twenty-Four
family presented ;i handsome new pulpit Bible and a Communion
table runner to the church on December 22, 1957. Mr. Dunn made
the presentation.
In March ol this year (1959), Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh and daughter,
Martha Sue Goguen, and son. Arthur. Junior, gave to the church
the lovely Altar Kneeling Cushion and the Pulpit Scarl in loving
mem >r\ o! their husband and father, A. P. Cavenaugh, who had been
a most faithful and loyal member of this (lunch.
Easter Sunday (1959) found some freshly painted walls, two reno-vated
rest rooms, and two new water fountains. Many thanks went to
Mr. and Mis. \V. R. Peele for all ol these improvements.
Attendance at church school, Sunday worship services, and prayer
meeting has been much better lor the last lew months than it has
been for a long time. Our preacher has had the conviction, the cour-age,
the faith, and the Christian devotion to his calling to preach so
convincingly, so plainly, and so truthfully that he has stirred the
hearts and souls of his congregation. We shall forever love him lor
his faith and courage.
He. too, was always a comfort to the si< k and sorrowing. The
Church lost during this time many members who were among the
best loved and most loyal: Mrs. John S. Barnes, Mr. John I. Barnes,
Mr. A. P. Cavenaugh, Mis. Pattie Bailey, Mrs. A. Sam White. Mrs.
A. P. Carde, and Mr. J. L. Godwin.
Another big contribution of Mr. Dunn has been his leadership
in the planning lor this, our centennial, April 12, 1959. All the or-ganizations
of the church have worked with him to make this a
glorious day. The Wesleyan Service Guild under the guidance ol the
president. Mis-, Virginia Lee Satterfield, assumed the sponsorship for
this occasion, and she and main others have been untiring in thei;
efforts.
These three years with Mr. and Mrs. Dunn (known to main as
"Clyde" and "Betty") and their now three little sons— Mark. Steve,
and led—our Church, in spile of some "tips" and "clowns," has truh
grown spiritually. It is with sorrow and joy that the congregation will
give them up within a very few weeks: sorrow, over having to give
them up; joy over the realization that they will soon be going as
missionaries to carry the gospel of our Christ to our Chinese neighbors.
As we look back ovei these hundred years, a tinge of sadness
creeps into our throats when we recall the many who, giving of their
time, energy and love, have left us and gone on to Heaven; yet we re-joice
in the heritage which is ours because ol them. What the future
Twenty-Five
of this grand old church will be, only time tan tell. Strong sons and
diligent (.laughters of the great ones of the long ago still work, eagerly
lor its welfare and success. Many others have come to join with them
in their undertakings. It may be that the prophet's words will apply
to Home Memorial Methodist Church as they did to the temple ol
old: "The glory ol the latter house shall be greater than that ol
the former." Please, God, may the church continue for centuries vet
to come—"A city that is set upon a hill and cannot be hid.'"
CALVARY METHODIST CHURCH
Home Memorial Methodist Church has one child. Calvary Metho-dist
Church, which is located in a farming community five miles north
of Clayton. The Reverend C. I . Thrift, in 1921, began holding ser-vices
at Barnes's Cross Roads. Soon the church was begun on a piece
of land given by Mr. Troy Pulley. It. a young church, had many dis-couragements.
In 1930, the Reverend W. I. Wolverton and his mem-bers
took on new life. By doing the work themselves, they did a SI,000
job for about $400. They reconstructed the church and made benches.
The Reverend C. T. Thrift, who started this church nine years pre-viously,
returned to preach a dedicatory sermon. From that time on,
quite often an announcement appeared that Calvary was having
a barbecue dinner or a big home-coming affair.
In 1915. under the Reverend C. W. Barbee, Calvary organized a
Sunday School with thirty-eight present. Mr. Charles Williford was
elected superintendent; Mr. Henry Cay. assistant superintendent; and
I'olc ust Cay, secretary and treasurer. Miss Matrid Barnes was superin-tendent
of the Sunday School lot years also. Many names will always
be remembered in connection with Calvary Church: Mr. and Mrs. }.
T. Barnes, Miss Matrid Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Troy Pulley, Mr. Carl
Barnes, Mr. fab Poole, Mr. Flyson Cay, Mr. and Mis. Carl Dixon,
Mr. Daniel Wall and Mr. Joseph Penny. There are many others.
Under the Reverend R. H. Caudill, Calvarv began to grow again.
A great deal of repair work was done. The Methodist Youth Fellow-ship
of Home Memorial worked to raise money to purchase a good
piano lor them. The chinch is continuing to thrive under the Rev-erend
(Hyde Dunn.
Twenty-Six
THE BRIEF PARSONAGE HISTORY
In 1891, sonic of the members of the Clayton Methodist Church
decided that it was time to have a home for our preachers in Clayton;
so they looked around and found a house and lot which the) bought
from \V. S. Turner and wife Amelia I .. and |. M. Turner and wife
Mary E. for SI. 000. This was deeded on December IS. 1891, to the
trustees of the Clayton circuit: George A. Turner, W. II. Sanders.
J. D. Smith. R. C. Gulley, and I. (). Snead.
Our first minister to occupy this parsonage was the Reverend
J. J. Barker, and the last one was the Reverend G. \\ . Fisher. The
Reverend J. M. Ashley, the Reverend M. M. McFarland, the Rev.
f. T. Draper, and the Reverend S. A. Cotton came in between. \
birthday party of much interest was given in 1899 lor the benefit ol
the parsonage. The following was the (lexer invitation issued (a little
bag was attached) :
"This birthday party is given to you,
Tis something novel, 'tis something new.
We send to each this little sack
—
Please either send or bring it back
With as many cents as years you are old,
(We promise the number shall never be told.)
The ladies will give vou some good things to eat.
And kind 'friends will furnish a musical treat;
And now we extend to you greetings most hearty,
—
Feeling sure that you'll attend your own birthday party."
Birthday Reception for Benefit of M. E. Parsonage
Clayton Academy — Friday, March 3, 1899 — from 8 to 11 o'clock
In 1906, this small one-story home was sold to Mr. Hugh A.
Page and moved back to the next lot. Then ;i lovely two-story par-sonage
was erected. The Reverend and Mrs. G. B. Starling were the
first to occupy it.
For fifty-one years this was the home ol our last twenty preachers
and their families. In 1957, the third parsonage was built on a lot
purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Keller for the sum ol $2,750. This
home, located on the corner of Page and Blanche Streets, was built
at a cost of $21,988 and was reach for occupancy by February 3, 1958.
Our minister, the Reverend Clyde H. Dunn, who was our leader in
the building program, moved immediately into our new parsonage
with his wife and sons. Mark and Steve.
The trustees who were responsible lor all the business transaction
of this new home were }. Elbert Jones, Chairman, Ro\ Justice. D.
G. Satterfield, Cooper O. Starling, R. W. Sanders, Jr.. Charlie Aiken,
and J. D. Bain. Sr.
Thus ends the brief history of the parsonage except to sa\ that
the present members are proud of it and are still working diligently
to pay off the indebtedness. Our earnest desire is that the not-too-dis-tant
future will lincl us with a new, paid-for-in lull parsonage!
Twenty-Seven
FULL-TIME CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Reverend Norwood Jones — Trinity Methodist Church
Burlington, North Carolina
A tew years ago two members of the same family
of Home Memorial Methodist Church dedicated
their lives to full-time christian service. These two
young people were Norwood and Alice Jones, son
and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Elbert [ones, who
are still among the most active and loyal members
of this church.
Norwood, now the Reverend Norwood Jones,
graduated from Clayton High School, attended Lou-isburg
College, and graduated from High Point
College, and received his B.I). Degree from Duke University. He then
became Wesley Foundation Director in Auburn, Alabama. He joined
the North Carolina Conference, and the Bishop sent him first to Keener
and Goshen churches just out from Clinton. North Carolina. Now he
is a very successful preacher in Trinity Methodist Church, Burling-ton,
North Carolina.
Norwood married Helen Meredith of Trinity, North Carolina,
while he was a student at Dtike University. They have two fine sons:
Mam ice and Meredith.
Mrs. R. Thomas Hobbs — (Nee, Alice Jones)
Haw River, North Carolina
Alice, now Mrs. R. Thomas Hobbs of Haw
River, North Carolina, graduated from Clayton
High School and then attended High Point College,
where she received her degree in Religious Educa-tion.
Her first position was that of Director of
Christian Education in the Burkhead Methodist
Church. Winston-Salem. North Carolina. From
there she went to the First Methodist Church in
Rocky Mount. While there, she fell in love and
married R. Thomas Hobbs. son of her preacher
and "boss,'" Dr. A. J. Hobbs. They moved to Dunn, North Carolina,
where she became the education director of Divine Street Methodist
Church.
Alter her family began to arrive, Alice had to give up her
position in lite church, but everyone knows that she continues her
work in christian education in the training of her two lovely little
daughters: Kathv and Caren.
Hoi lie Memorial Methodist Church is proud of you. Norwood
and Alice, and it is very happy to honor you both.
Twenty-Eight
i'lessaoes Irom many lormcr » linislrrs
During my ministry in Clayton, the rather large
circuit was changed Irom Clayton, Mount /.ion.
Elizabeth, Four Oaks, and Corinth to a circuit with
only three churches, as I remember—Clayton, Mount
/ion, and Oaky Grove. I remember, too, that my
tamily and I were the first family to occupy the new,
fine iwo-siorx parsonage.
During die latter part ol m\ ministry, Mis. E.
1). McCullers called me t<> her home to say, "We
need a new (lunch." Immediately plans began to
be made for the present Home Memorial Methodist Church.
How I wish that m\ health would permit me to join you in your
happy Centennial celebration! I will be with you in spirit. Ma\ ii be
a most glorious da\ ol praise and thanksgiving to Cod the Father
who made the day possible.
G. B. Starling, Retired
Kenly Methodist Church
Kenly, North Carolina
1906-1910
As to am outstanding event, the <>nl\ thing that occurs to me
is that I held a meeting at Barnes's Schoolhouse; and as a result, what
is the present Calvary Methodist Chinch was organized. I returned
nine years later to preach the dedicatory sermon.
You have my best wishes lot a grand and glorious occasion on
the 12th ol April, youi one hundredth birthday.
With all good wishes,
Very sincerely yours,
C. T. Thrift/
406 Bon Air Avenue,
Durham. N. C.
1920-1922
Txoenty-Nin/3
My appointment to Home Memorial Methodist
Church (aiiied a responsibility and a challenge
which called lor the dedication and consistent ex-ercise
ol such talent as I possessed. It was here that
I witnessed an encouraging and very substantial
progress in the activities and growth <>l interest
J among the membership ol the Church and the
Church School. It was here I found a beautiful
and worshipful sanctuary and a substantial and
loyal people; it was here I formed friendships
which gave assurance ol strength and security—a support which was
dependable.
M\ experience as pastor of Home Memorial Church has been
an abiding joy and an inspiration through the intervening years.
Mrs. Sell and I treasure the menior\ ol our pastorate with you as
among the happiest years of our ministry.
Marvin Y. Sell. Retired
The Methodist Church
Calvary Charge
Littleton. X. C.
1928-1927
We were very pleased to receive your invitation
to he at the One Hundredth Anniversary of Horn;:
Memorial Methodist Church. As you know, we
are a long way distant from Clayton so we must
send our regrets.
I do wish to express m\ felicitations to the
congregation on the splendid occasion ol its hun-dredth
anniversary. I remember my year at Clay-ton
with great pleasure. It was at Clayton that our
son was born and you will be interested to know
that he completes his training lor the Ministry in June, and that his
lather will have a part in his Ordination on the 28th of fune at St.
Paul's Episcopal Chinch, Greenville, North Carolina. Perhaps on the
occasion ol our \isit to East Carolina in June we may have the oppor-tunity
to pa) a short visit in Clayton.
Mis. Wolverton joins me in the best ol good wishes to the
Home Memorial Methodist Church.
Wallace I. Wolverton. Ph.D.
Dean of Divinity,
St. John's College.
I Fniversity ol Manitoba
Winnipeg 9. Canada
19.80-1931
people ol
Thirty
My husband, three children and I moved to
Clayton to serve Home Memorial Methodist Church
at a time when he was just recovering from a
serious illness. We found an intelligent, well-in-formed
and co-operative group of people, devoted
to their church and to its world mission.
I can think ol a thousand kindnesses received
from members ol this church and ol the other
(lunches in the town. A neighboi used to send
over for our bain and would always say, "and
DON'T (lean him up, 1 want him just like he is." Another woman.
head ol a children's organization in another denomination, formed a
friendship with our little girl which endures to this day, despite tin
difference in ages.
Our bain was c In istened in this churc h and was given a life mem-bership
by the Woman's Society. Our little girl and b<>\ became
members ol the church at Home Memorial.
I well remember what an interest the women took in the par-sonage
and how determined the) were to have nice furnishings in it.
I walked around the old parsonage the othei da\ and stood beneath
the big tree under which we had picnics and took kodak pictures
which I still ( herish.
There was the school (lose b\ where man) meetings were held,
including concerts and recitals, for Clayton folk were ever music
lovers. There, too, was the Woman's Club, where c i\ ic wot k was
friendships cemented.
Home Memorial Methodist Church lives in out memories large-ly
because ol the people who compose its membership, and the
nicest memory of all is of those friendships which, begun then, have
(arried on and friendships cemented.
Mrs. V,. II Houston
132 North Second St.
Smithfield, X. C.
1931-1932
Thirty-One
To remember the condition of Home Memorial Methodist Church
and Clayton at the time I came to be the minister in November of
19.32, is to recall a desperate time, and yet in some ways Winston
Churchill's words to the English at the time of Dunkirk seems appli-cable.
He said they would respond to the tragedy in such a way as
to make men remember and say, "This was their finest hour."
Practically everything in Clayton had failed financially in 1932.
All ol the Home enterprises had gone down: the bank, the store,
the farm operations, the cotton oil mill, the cotton mill, etc. Every-one
in Clayton had suffered great losses. Early in the evening of the
first clay I was in town I heard that a meeting of the Board of Stewards
ol the chinch was he ing held. I had not been asked to attend but I
went, perhaps to the dismay ol some' of the members. The) were meet-ing
with the former minister trying to work out some agreements with
him about the part of his salary which was still unpaid. Besides fail-ing
to pay his salary, the church had been unable to pay any Con-ference
obligations.
The other minister had hit by the time I arrived. Soon alter I
got into the meeting, someone described their predicament and then
said, "Let's be very realistic, I move that the salary of the new preach-be
be- set at S50 a month." I told them that I would gladly suiter with
them but that at $50 a month I was being asked to do most ol the
suffering. Instead ol this they agreed with me that it was better to
set no goals until we had begun to work together and hacl some idea
ol how things would develop.
I hat year 1 was paid Si 100. and for the first lime in some years
.ill conference obligations were paid in lull. Long overdue coal bills
and bills for Sunday School literature were paid and the parsonage
was completely replastered and redecorated inside. All ol the people
went to work in the chinch. Thc\ were soon joined and given great
encouragement by a. number ol the young men who had come to
town to take over tite management ol the businesses which had failed.
There was a substantial growth in church membership during my
minisin in Clayton. 1 he < lunch building was completely redecorated
one \ea.i. the benevolent giving was doubled, and the whole life ol
the (lunch was greal 1\ revived.
In Ma\ ol 1936 Bishop Paul 1>. Kein announced that I was being
transferred to Missouri and there I have been ever since, lot the past
nineteen years in the same (lunch in Kansas City.
John A. Guice
Saint John's Methodist ( )hur< h
6900 Ward Parkway
Kansas City 1 3, Missouri
1932-1936
Tim ty-Tiuo
Around May 15, 1936, the- three Potters arrived
in Clayton after a ride of three days from Missouri.
It was the first step in a new land, where we were
introduced to turnip "sallet," collards, self-rising
flour, snuff, and pork barbecue. There was regular
tropica] weather; it rained the first month, but
the heat was enly surpassed by the warmth ol the
Southern welcome.
The people proved as adept at entertaining Dis-trict
Conference and the first citi/en ol our state.
Governor Clyde R. Hoey, as they were ;it barbecuing pigs and having
a booth at lite Stale fail to pay oil the debt on the new oil furnace.
The beautiful Colonial Chinch inspired all of ns to wage a con
linual war against the devil in our soul and the bees in the front
pillars ol the church. The bees only hummed, but the choir within
raised their voices in mighty anthems at every worship service. A
church with such material blessings could only have been built
through the loyalty of a congregation dedicated to Christian disciple-ship.
As a result of Christian fellowship within the chinch, we call to
mind many people whose names we cherish in friendship, admiration
and honor.
W. Stanley Potter
The Steele Street Methodist
Chin c h
Sanford, X. C.
1936-1939
Home Memorial Methodist Church meant to me an opportunity
to have one ol the finest mid-week services in the North Carolina
conference. We had young and old. We over-ran the prayei meeting
room and were forced to the basement for space. We had 150 people
often in attendance.
Home Memorial meant to me an opportunit) lor City-wide recre-ation.
We built the Recreational Center and had the whole town meet-ing
to have fun.
Home Memorial meant to me an opportunit) to lead the Confer-ence
for a brief time in additions to the church and the Kingdom.
Home Memorial meant to me an opportunity to witness and
siillei for the cause of my church and Christ. It gave me the oppor-tunit)
in a crisis to live with a Christian conscience.
P. O. Lee
Whiteville Methodist Church
Whiteville. X. C.
1939-1913
Thirty-Three
Arriving at Home Memorial Methodist Church
in the fall of I'M."), we found a lovely sanctuary in
which to worship and a friendly congregation. The
good people gave loyal support, and we think of
our ministry in Clayton with gratitude. Soon alter
oiu arrival we knew that Clayton was a friendly
community, It was good to have friends throughout
the community. Our lour years passed rather swift-ly
and it seemed not so long until the fall ol 1947.
As Methodist preachers are taught to "go where
tliev are sent, we were under orders from the North Carolina Con-ference
to begin our work in a new field. During our ministry at
Home Memorial our oldest daughter, Susanna Newman, passed from
the elementary to high school, and our youngest daughter, Patricia
Ellen, started in the first grade. II I remember correctly, both of our
L^irls came into chinch membership at Home Memorial Methodist
Church.
Both the girls and Mrs. Barbee would join me in our best re-gards
to all of you. May you have a wonderful one hundredth anni-versary.
And now last but not least, let it be said with emphasis that
I am deeply grateful lot out lour years at Home Memorial.
Cail W. Barbee
Bethel Methodist Church
Bethel, X. C.
1943-1947
Thirly-Foui
My ministry at Home Memorial Church was
limited to two years, 1947-49. A serious operation
at the close of my first year kept me in Duke Hos-pital
for two months and out of the pulpit tour
months. I retired at the Conference of 1949 after
42 years of service.
I recall no phenomenal events or exciting ex-periences
during the two years I served this rather
conservative church. Everything moved along just
about as the) did before 1 came and as they have
since 1 retired. The most delightful experience of my association
with Home Memorial Church was the three or four years 1 was the
teacher ol the Lena Barbour Sunday School (lass. A more loyal, co-operative
and appreciative (lass can't be found in Methodism. 1 am
anxiously waiting and listening for my doctor to tell me 1 can again
teach this (lass ol noble women. "I do not (ease to give thanks loi
you. remembering you in mv prayers, that the Cod ol our Lord [esus
Christ, the Father of glory, may give von a spirit ol wisdom and ol
revelation in the knowledge of him. having the eyes of your heart en-lightened,
that you may know what is the hope to which he has
(ailed von."
\V. C. Martin, Retired
Clayton, \. C.
1947-1919
Thirty-Five
In November 1949 I was appointed to Home
Memorial Church. For eight years I had been
serving a six point charge at Newton Grove. This
appointment was quite a change for me. Aware oi
my weakness, and in the spirit ol humility, I found
mysell depending on God and the leadership ol
the Hob Spirit; I set forth to do ni\ best for the
Master and this pari oi God's Kingdom.
I found here one ol the most beautiful churches
I had eve) known. A (lunch when entering one
could not help from feeling the presence of God. When days were
dark, and things uncertain. I would lind my way to the Altar: kneel-ing
there, I would find the peace oi God flood my soul, and the light
would shine again. Thus from month to month, and year to year
under the blessing ol God. I spent four years ol one- of the happiest
pastoral experiences of m\ life. Some ol our happiest experiences
were in our Passion Week services. There main of us experienced
the presence ol the Holy Spirit and the meaning of our Lord's death
as never before. What Home Memorial Church has meant to us can-not
be expressed in words.
The (hutch is made up ol its people, another reason wh\ this
church has meant so much to us. Except for a bit ol doubt as to what
they had when we first came, they received us gladly; and as the time
moved on. our friendship and love grew more and more, until oui
love is (;nc that is everlasting. It was their kindness to ns. and our love
I or them, and a nice town in which to live that brought us back
here to spend oui declining years. On out return alter serving the
Oriental charge lor loin years, we were received with open hearts;
and in our sickness and in health, they have been wonderful friends
and a great blessing to us. I wish I could find words to express just
what Hoi tie Memorial Methodist Church has meant and is meaning
io us. since I cannot lind those words, I will just say, "May God bless
others as He has blessed me as the years roll be. Amen."
Yours still in His service,
Robert I,. Hethcox. Retired
Clayton, X. C.
1949-1953
Thirty-Six
T have been asked to give my impressions o£
Home Memorial Methodist Church and the town
of Clayton when I began my work there as Pastor.
My wife and I arrived there in November of 1953
and served for three years. We were met by a
group ol fine people to welcome us upon our ar-rival.
We found the people ol Clayton ver) Iriendh
to us, and I am not speaking for Methodist only
because the Baptist, Christian, and other denomi-national
people there were most cordial to us during the' three' years
we served, the' Church.
My greatest impression was that the job was great and exacting;
so I plunged into the work with all m\ might. The Church reacted
to iu\ efforts and began to grow in membership. Calvary Church gave
me an even greater challenge since, when we got there for the lirst
service, onl\ lour people attended. The window panes were' falling
out, the Moot had cracks so wiele- that the ground was plainly visible,
there' was no underpinning, the' heat was one coal stove, the piano
was out ol tune' and the' whole place showed desolation.
M\ wih' sat down at the piano and played the' prelude as though
she was playing a score from Bach. This gave me the' que; so 1 took
courage and preached as though the house- were crowded. Ver) soon
the house was lille-el. and the subsequent histors is in the' record.
We had three very happy years at Clayton, interspersed with
the' usual sadness and heartaches which go with being a Minister.
My prayers and best wishes go with God's people there as the)
move forward to greater acheivement in the' service ol the' Master.
R. H. Caudill
Westover Methodist Church
Raleigh. North Carolina
1953-1956
Thirty-Seven
MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED HERE
Lemuel Shell—John R. Brook, Associate 1859-1861
Carson Parker—John Buie. Associate ....1 CGI -1863
L. S. Burkheacl ..'
_ 18G3-1865
Joseph Wheeler ......1865-1867
T. Page Ricaud 1867-1868
Alex R. Raven.... 1868-1870
William H. Moore 1873-1871
J. E. Thompson 1C71-1874
James F. Smoote 1871-1876
Joseph H. Wheeler 1876-1877
R. M. Brown 1877-1879
P. L. Herman 1879-1881
J. T. Finlayson (Intenerant)
M. C. Thomas 1881-1883
A. E. Wiley 1883-1886
B. C. Allred 1886-1888
R. W. Bailey 1888-1889
A. R. Raven 1889-1890
(. J. Barker .....1890-1892
J. M. Ashby 1892-1895
M. M. McFarland 1895-1896
J. T. Draper 1896-1899
S.A.Cotton 1899-1901
G. W. Fisher 1901-1905
J. J. Renn (appointed; died before arriving)
Joseph V. Williams 1905-1906
G. B. Starling 1906-1910
C. W. Robinson 1910-1913
G. S. Bearden .....1913-1915
T. A. Sykes 1915-1917
O. I. Hinson 1917-1920
C. T. Thrift .....1920-1922
J. T. Gibbs 1922-1923
Marvin Y. Self ......1923-1927
}. B. Hurley 1927-1928
E. 1). Dodd' 1928-1930
W. I. Wolverton 1930-1931
B. H. Houston 1931-1932
John A. Guice 1932-1936
W. Stanley Potter 1936-1939
P. (). Lee 1939-1913
Carl Barbee 1943-1947
W. C. Martin 1947-1949
R. L. 1 lethcox 1949-1953
R. H. Caudill 1953-1956
Clyde II. Dunn 1956-
Thirty-Eisht
Reminiscences
The following stories are just additional items of interest. Several
of the older members of the church gathered one evening and had
a reminiscent party. Here are some of the results, not given in chronolo-gical
order at all. Some of the articles came from the Clayton Bud and
the Clayton Neius, also.
"Quite a large gathering cf our citizens assembled this 12:30
noon at the Methodist Church to witness the marriage of Mr. Joseph
J. Rogers of Apex and Miss Willie A. Tomlinson, of Clayton, the
Reverends J. M. White and |. F. Ellington, officiating. The attend-ants
were Dr. j. R. Rogers and Miss Rena Beckwith; Mr. |. B. H. Tom-linson
and Miss Lizzie Avera; Mr. J. E. White and Miss Eugenia
brown: Mr. f. R. Hunter and Miss Lela V. Ellington; Mr. W. R. Hin-ton
and Miss Martha Pool; Mr. |. C. Poo] and Miss Mary Strickland;
Mr. T. V. Robertson and Miss Pattie Smith. Ushers were Mr. W. H.
Meddlers and Mr. (). G. Smith. Flower girls— Misses Maggie and
Pearl Robertson. The bridal party took the 1:20 train for Apex, where
a reception will be given them at the groom's home."
From The Clayton Hud, August 18. 188ti
Ehis does not say which (lunch, but it appeared in the Clayton
Bud on November IK, 1885: "We would advise Mr. and Miss
to cease their cooing in church as they may receive a reprimand when
they least expect it, and it is justly deserved for the church is no
place to be whispering."
"The pulpit at the Methodist Church was filled by the Reverend
Amos Weaver last Sunday morning and by the pastor, the Reverend
A. E. Wiley, at night. Both sermons were instructive and edifying."
From Clayton Bud, July 188(i
The Reverend (.. W. Stalling married Miss May Gulley and
Mr. jasper Godwin in the First Baptist Church here in Clayton.
.Mrs. Julian Starling often went to the old church barefoot and
wearing a white sunbonnet. Mr. E. B. Meddlers was her Sunday
School teacher. He promised a pair of red shoes to the ones who
would attend a year without missing a Sunday. Mrs. Starling and Mrs.
Garland Young (Ethel and Stella O'Neil) had not missed a Sunday
until they came down with the mumps. Stella went anyway and re-ceived
a pair of black shoes, as red ones were not available!
Mr. Ashley Home used to go to church wearing a Prince Albeit
coat, striped trousers, and a high-topped hat, and carrying a gold-headed
cane. His wife was soloist in the choir.
Thirty-Nine
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope started playing the piano lor Sunday
School when she knew only two hymns. Mrs. B. M. Robertson knew
only two. One Sunday found "Mildred" playing her two hymns at the
opening of Sunday School and "Claudia" playing her two for the
closing exercises. The next Sunday they reversed their procedure:
Claudia at the beginning and Mildred at the end. Mrs. Carmine Cattis
Austin was the third to help with her one or two numbers!
Mr. John Poole used to ring the bell and do other janitorial duties
in the old church. He also sang in the choir.
Dr. J. B. Ivey, who was editor of the Christian Advocate for years,
used to come to our church to preach once a month. He alternated
with the regular pastor who preached once a month. He was greatly
Joved. His salary was underwritten by several members of the con-gregation.
Mrs. E. B. McCullers was always dressed to the very letter when
she went to Church. One Sunday when she bowed her head for the
opening prayer, she almost broke up the service when she discovered
that she still had on her apron! She very quietly tried to slip it off
unnoticed but not before some young j)eopIe saw her. They could
hardly suppress their laughter.
Mrs. Marshall Hall related this good story (she said, however,
"not to be printed") : People were expecting a law to be passed pro-hibiting
the making of wine. These two fine women, Mrs. Hall and
Mrs. Emma Ellington, were eagerly getting their berries "juiced"
ready for wine, when who should appear but the preacher, the Rev-erend
O. ]. Hinson. They saw him through the crack. So quietly they
stayed that he left without making his pastoral visit! What happened
to that wine? It turned to vinegar and made the very best pickles they
ever had!
Mrs. O. 1. Hinson also had an interesting experience in her
kindergarten class. She was asking her little pupils about what their
parents did.
"Jack," she asked of the son of the Reverend A. O. Moore (a fine
Baptist minister here) . "what does your daddy do?"
"Aw. my daddy just goes fishing and hunting," was Jack's epiick
reply.
"Win. [ack," said Mrs. Hinson, "your daddy is a preacher."
"I know, but that's nothing, that's just talking," replied Jack.
William Home, son of Mr. and .Mrs. Ashley Home, died when
epiite young of typhoid lever. Jessie Ellington (Mrs. Easom) sang
at his funeral, Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar." It seems that this was
the first time that this poem had ever been sung in Clayton.
Forty
There were a lew graves in our church yard. One large stone has
names on three sides: on one side are Martha and Harry Durham;
on another are the nanus of their three sons, Harris I ., William A.,
and Robert: on the third side are Ella and Delia, two daughters. The
son Wliliam hail died away [rem heme during the Civil War. His
brother Harris went to bring his body home. Harris contracted pneu-monia
himself and died about two weeks later.
Buried, also, was the infant of the Reverend and Mrs. ). [. Bark-er,
our minister and wife in 1890, 1891, 1892. Then, too, there were
Miss l.illie O'Neil and her parents. The story now goes that at the
time of "Miss I.illie's" death, the town had to grant special |>ermis-sion
for her body to be placed there on account of a new city ordinance.
Do yon remember when Mrs. Mary Pitts Duncan was organist
in our church? Yes, Mrs. M. C. Thomas was our organist once, too.
Mrs. Geraldine G. Garvey was another good choir director for us.
The Reverend (). I. Hinson was teaching the ladies and gentle-men
in Sunday School one (old, snowy Sunday when the attendance
was small. He asked the question, "What would have happened to
Jesus il the weather had been this cold?
Imagine Mr. Hinson's chargin when one gentleman hastily answer-ed,
"He certainly would have frozen to death in those bulrushes!"
Mrs. Charles Glllley directed the choir for seventeen years, start-ing
about 1912. She is right back in that same place today doing a
wonderful job.
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope started as organist in 1913 after she finish-ed
at Greensboro College and returned from a trip abroad. Mrs.
Carlotta B. Sanders was organist before that time.
When the Reverend (). I. Hinson was our pastor, Mrs. Hinson
had a kindergarten. She also organized a cooking class and some <>1
her delicious recipes are still being used by many people in Clayton.
Mrs. Hinson. too. was among the organizers of the Mothers' Club o!
Clayton. This later developed into the Clayton Woman's Club.
Mr. John I. Barnes's first wife was the first funeral in the new
chinch. Mi. Ashley Home was buried about a week later.
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope sang the first solo and was the first person
to be married in the new church.
"The Ladies Aid Society of Home Memorial Church will serve
sandwiches, lea, ice cream and cake on the lawn ol Mrs. R. W. Sand-ers
immediately after Class Day Exercises on Friday afternoon. Every-body
is cordially invited. The proceeds will go to the society. (Tfte
Clayton News, May, 1921.)
Fovty-Onc
Dining the time that the Reverend Stanley Potter was pastor,
the Sunday School decided to do away with the opening exercises for
a little while. Each (lass would have its brief worship service before
the lesson. This story came from the Men's Bible Class: Mr. Julian
Starling said, "All right, fellows, let's start." At that moment someone
announced the hymn number and Mr. Starling played the piano while
Mr. Lonnie Wheeler led the singing!
For years many people in the Clayton community aspired to the
time when each church could have a full-time preacher to hold ser-vices
within each church every Sunday. A lew held to the idea that
it was far more beneficial tor the different denominations to wor-ship
together. One who spoke vigorously lor inter-denominational
worship was Mr. [esse Ellington, lather of Mrs. B. A. Hocutt. He said
that worshiping together lead to more wholesome living.
Mis. B. A. Hocutt has always been a very good and close friend
of the Methodists and of the Methodist ministers. She recalled how
she and the other "little girls" visited Annie Raven, daughter of our
minister, A. R. Raven, while he was preaching here. Annie had twenty-five
dolls! "I was so envious of Annie and all her dolls that I could
hardly stand it. lor all the rest of us girls had only one'' related Mrs.
Hocutt.
Three outstanding ladies who have departed this life gave so
freely of their time, efforts, love, and good influence that the women
chose to honor them by naming the three circles of the Woman's So-ciety
of Christian Service in honor and in memory of them. These
dearly loved persons weie Mrs. Lena A. Barbour, Mrs. Alma McCulI-ers,
and Mrs. John S. Barnes ("Miss Pat")
.
Imagine having the same responsible job in a church for almost
fifty years! Mis. B. M. Robertson has been a most faithful Communion
Steward since about 1910. What a contribution she has made to the
chinch.
"The Reverend lorn P. Jimison will preach at Home Memorial
Church tonight at S o'clock. Mr. jimison needs no introduction to the
people of Clayton. He is the same splendid Evangelist who conducted
a revival meeting in Clayton in the Spring of 1915, and he has lost
none of his preaching powers; he is still lighting the devil with all of
his strength and ability." (The Clayton News, April 1920.)
'The following Clayton women are attending the Methodist
Woman's Missionary Conference at Oxford this week: Mesdames E. B.
Meddlers. John S. Barnes, and W. S. Penn. They are delegates from
the Woman's Missionary Society of Home Memorial Church." (The
Clayton News, May 1920.)
Forty-Tiuo
In a children's program Carlotta Barbour (Mrs. Sanders) had a
recitation to say. She said that she knew that her Sunday School teacher
did not think that she would learn it. This made her more determined
than ever; so she said, "1 shocked them all to death by knowing it."
As one reads these reminiscenses. he will doubtless recall dozens
and dozens of other interesting events, some even much more import-ant
than some recorded here; however all good things must conn- to
an end! Recall all the things you will and enjoy them, but remember
that omissions have been made, but very unintentionally. May the next
one hundred vears be the verv best vet!
Forty-Three
CHURCH ORGANIZATION
Paul \. Garber Presiding Bishop
Graham S. Eubanks District Superintendent
Clyde H. Dunn Pastor
Mrs. Charks G. Gulley Choir Director
Mrs. Mildred B. Pope Organist
OFFICIAL BOARD
|. F. Nelson Chairman
G. Shelbcn Hall ...Secretary
John B. Robertson Treasurer
[oseph Penny Chairman, Commission on
Membership and Evangelism
Stanley C. Peele Chairman, Commission on Finance
G. Shelbon Hall Chairman, Commission on Education
Airs. W. S. Perm Chairman, Commission on Missions
Sam B. Strickland ...Charge Fay Leader
Mrs. B. M. Robertson ...Communion Steward
Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh President, Woman's Society
of Christian Service
Miss Virginia L. Satterfield ...President, Wesleyan Service Guild
Miss Betty Beard .....President, Methodist Youth Fellowship
John W. Mayo District Steward
STEWARDS
J. D. Bain, Jr. David B. Bell E. W. O'Xeil
Joseph Barbour Curvis Holder W. R. Peele, Jr.
Norwood D. Barbour Wilbur Jackson Joseph Penny
Mrs. W. C. Beaman J. F. Nelson Sam B. Strickland
TRUSTEES
H. C. Abbott J. E. Jones
Charlie Aiken Roy A. Justice
J.
I). Bain R W. Sanders. Jr.
CIRCLE LEADERS
Mrs. Y. M. Holland Lena A. Barbour Circle
Mrs. Milton I). Riddel! .....Pattie D. Barnes Circle
Mis. Clyde H. Dunn \lma L. McCullers Circle
THE CHURCH SCHOOL
Roy A. Justice — ~— - Superintendent
Charles Barden Assistant Superintendent
E. W. O'Xeil - - Secretary
]. F. Nelson — Adult Division
Sam B. Strickland Youth Division
Mrs. W. R. Peele, Jr Children's Division
Forty-Four
THE CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS
Children's Division
Mrs. Shelbon Hall (Pianist) Mrs. fames I . Vinson
Mrs. A. P. Cavenaugh W. R. Peele, Jr.
Mrs. Y. M. Holland Mrs. W. R. Beard
Mrs. Stanley Peele Mrs. Roy Justice
Mrs. Virginia Lynch Mrs. Ray Culley
Patsy Faulk Mrs. |. Elbert [ones
Vol in Division
Mrs. W. C. Bcaman Joseph Barbour
Mrs. W. R. Peele Sarah Richardson,
Mrs. J. I). Beswick (Counselor)
Adult Division
Mrs. Paul Keller Paul Keller
Rev. W. C. Martin Mrs. R. A. Wall
Rev. R. L. Hethcox Joseph Penny
Mrs. Otto Creech II. C. Abbott
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Man) people within the church membership and many other kind
friends need a word of appreciation lor the threat help they have given
in the preparation of this history:
Mr. Charles Barden lor his wonderful work on the pictures of
the (lunch and windows included herein.
Mr. Ralph Delano of The Benson Revieiv lor all his help in giv-ing
access to the old copies ol The Clayton News.
Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Woodall and Centenary Methodist Church
of Smithfield lor permission to use main records ol church history
in their possession.
Mrs. T. J. Lassiter lor information gleaned from her Brief His-tory—
Centenary Methodist Chinch.
Miss Penelope Smith of Franklinton, North Carolina, lor a most
interesting discussion of our histoix when we were on the same cir-cuit
with Elizabeth Church. Then, too, Mrs. Marshall Hall of Smith-field
and Mrs. B. A. llocutt lor much valuable information.
To oiu minister, the Reverend Clyde H. Dunn, lor help from
every angle.
All the material contained in this history has come from The
Clayton Bud, The Clayton News, North Carolina Conference Records
in Chapel Hill and Durham, Quarterly Conference records, old min-utes,
and word of mouth.
Many thanks to all who have helped in any way!
Forty-Five
Membership - 1959
Date joined Name Address
1942 Abbott. Henry C 210 Home St.
1942 Abbott, Mrs. Henry C _ 210 Home St.
1943 Adams, Mrs. Janie Grate Raleigh, X. C.
1 956 Aiken. Charles 509 Starling St.
1956 Aiken. Mrs. Charles 509 Starling St.
1955 Alsobrook. M. C Smith St.
1955 Alsobrook. Mrs. M. C Smith St.
1955 Alsobrook, Bobby Joe Smith St.
1955 Alsobrook, Martha Ellen Smith St.
1915 Atkinson. Mrs. }. P Raleigh, N. C.
1925 Atkinson. Woodrow B Raleigh, X. C.
1958 Bagley, William P E. Second St.
1946 Bagley, Mrs. William P E. Second St.
1936 Bain, J. Douglas 326 Barbour St.
193(5 Bain. Mrs. J. Douglas 326 Barbour St.
1940 Bain, J. Douglas, Jr O'Hara St.
1956 Bain. Mrs. J. Douglas, jr O'Hara St.
1943 Bain, R. Whitley ...328 Barbour St.
1958 Bain, Mrs. R. Whitley 328 Barbour St.
1952 Barbour, Norwood I) 206 Second St.
1920 Barbour. Mrs. Norwood D 206 Second St.
1931 Barbour, Norwood 1).. [r Las Vegas. Nevada
1943 Barbour, Joseph Home St.
1956 Barbour, Mrs. Joseph Home St.
1955 Barbour. Max Leo Wilson. X. C.
1914 Barden, Mrs. Blanche 322 Barbour St.
1914 Barden. Charles 401 Kildee St.
1951 Barden. Mrs. Charles 404 Kildee St.
1921 Barham, Mrs. Flonnie C R. E. D. Xo. 2
1902 Barnes, Mrs. Eli/a 337 Barbour St.
1928 Barnes, James S. Stallings St.
1925 Barnes. John E. Jr 120 Blanche St.
1940 Barnes. Mrs. John E, Jr 120 Blanche St.
1918 Barnes, Matrid 411 O'Xeil St.
1915 Barnes, Zelda 115 First St.
1954 Beaman, W. C Raleigh. X. C.
1954 Beaman. Mrs. W. C Raleigh. X. C.
1915 Beard. W. Russell 323 Page St.
1915 Beard. Mrs. W. Russell 323 Page St.
1919 Beard, Colon Yates 323 Page St.
1955 Beard. Carol Ann 323 Page St.
1950 Beard. Sarah E 323 Page St.
Forty-Six
1953 Bell, David B .Raleigh. \. C.
!92( : Bell, Mrs. David B Raleigh, \. C.
958 Bell, David B., Jr Raleigh, X. C.
954 Benson. Walter R. F. I). No. 1
95 1 Benson, Mrs. Waller R. F. 1). Xo. 1
951 Benson, Walter, Jr R. F. 1). Xo. 1
95! Benson, Lynn R. F. D. Xo. 1
956 Benson, fohn R. F. 1). Xo. 1
954 Beswick, James D ...311 Church St.
'951 Beswick, Mrs. James D. 311 Church St.
952 Blackmon, Bernice ...Pythian Home
952 Blackmon, Bobby Ray ..Pythian Home
952 Blackmon, Clarence Pythian Home
950 Blinson, Mrs. Emma R. F. D. No. 2
956 Brannon, Marcelle Ann Main St.
955 Bridgers, Mrs. Beatrice P. Raleigh. N. C.
955 Bridger, Robert I ...Raleigh. X. C.
1955 Bridger, Mrs. Robert I Raleigh. X. C.
1922 Brooks, Dr. H. F .Wilson. X. C.
954 Brown. David Raleigh. X. C.
938 Brown, Robert Raleigh, X. C.
910 Bryant, Mrs. George W. R. F. D.
956 Bunn, Mrs. W. G. 301 Home St.
929 Butler, Mrs. Ernestine 317 Second St.
951 Butler, Eugene F.. Jr. 317 Second St.
915 Garde. B. W. . .211 Blanche St.
953 Garde. Montraville R. F. D. Xo. 2
954 Carde, Mrs. Montraville Raleigh. X. G
928 Carde, Woodford A .301 Blanche St
915 Carroll, Mrs. Charles 326 Page St.
934 Carroll. James 301 Fayetteville St.
943 Garness, Mrs. Florence S. ..Sanford. X. G
954 Capps, Joseph Raleigh, X. G
950 Capps, Mrs. Peggy Lee ......R. F. D. Xo. 2
920 Cavenaugh, Mrs. A. P. 216 Home St.
950 Cavenaugh, Arthur 216 Home St.
954 Charles, Alice Pythian Home
954 Charles, Diane Washington. D. G
953 Cole, Dr. H. A. 211 Blanche St.
949 Cole, Mrs. H. A. ..211 Blanche St.
1949 Cole. H. A.. Jr. Chapel Hill. X. G
944 Compton, R. Keith ..Main St.
1938 Compton, Mrs. R. Keith Main St.
910 Compton. R. Keith, Jr Main St.
940 Compton, Wrilliam Avera Garner. N. C.
Forty-Seven
1917 Conner, Mrs. Elizabeth W Almador, California
1950 Corbctt, Faye ...Raleigh, N. C.
1926 Creech, Mrs. Otto 118 Blanche St.
1955 Creech, Alice Inez 118 Blanche St.
1948 Dean, Mrs. Betty Bain Winston-Salem, N. C.
1936 Debnam, Mrs. L. D Winston-Salem, N. C.
1958 Dixon. Cecelia R. F. D. No. 1
1958 Dixon, Rose Marie ...R. F. D. No. 1
1946 Dodd, Mrs. Charlie R 115 First St.
1946 Dodd, Joseph .115 First St.
1955 Dodd, Virginia 115 First St.
1956 Dunn. Mrs. Elizabeth Z. Page St.
195." Dunnagan, Dr. W. A Chapel Hill, N. C.
1953 Dunnagan, Mrs. W. A Chapel Hill, N. C.
1955 Dunnagan, Carolyn Royal Chapel Hill, N. C.
1906 Ellis, Mrs. Emma Raleigh, N. C.
1925 Ellis, Sam 1 14 Whitaker St.
1895 Farmer, Mrs. A. J. .575 O'Neil St.
1926 Farmer, I. Weisner .....Raleigh, N. C.
1954 Faulk, Connie Pythian Home
1954 Faulk, Linda Pythian Home
1954 Faulk, Patsy .....Pythian Home
1945 Ferrell. Addie Lou 517 Second St.
1949 Ferrell, Rosalie ...517 Second St.
1915 Ferrell, Mrs. Waldo 41 1 Main St.
1955 Fields. Wilbur O. Windsor, N. C.
1955 Fields, Mrs. Wilbur O AVindsor, N. C.
1956 Forrester, Dr. Eugene N Florida
1956 Forrester, Mrs. Eugene X. Florida
1932 Fortune. Mrs. Helen W East Bend, N. C.
1950 Gardner, Mrs. Elizabeth ...520 Second St.
19H Gattis, Aubrey S 320 Stallings St.
191 I Godwin, Mrs. J. I 339 Page St.
1928 Godwin, Jasper L., Jr Lincoln, Nebraska
1920 Gower, Dr. F. D ...324 Main St.
1958 Greason, James Boyd Raleigh, N. C.
1958 Greason, Mrs. James Boyd Raleigh, N. C.
1946 Gulley, Ray ....'. 211 Second St.
1915 Gulley. Mrs. Ray 211 Second St.
191 1 Gurthrie, Mrs. Eula Mae Jacksonville, N. C.
1947 Hall, G. Shelbon 222 O'Neil St.
1947 Hall, Mrs. G. Shelbon 222 O'Neil St.
1957 Hall, Nancy S. 222 O'Neil St.
1949 Hall, Mrs. Winired 211 Blanche St.
1937 Hammid, Mrs. Christine M Raleigh, N. C.
Forty-Eight
1951 Hardin. Anthony Pythian Home
1952 Hardin, Roger Pythian Home
1951 Harrelson, Bobby Pythian Home
1952 Harrelson, fames E. Richmond, Va.
1952 Harrelson, Katherine Pythian Home
1951 Harrelson, Roger Pythian Home
1952 Haston, Mrs. J. H Indianapolis, Ind.
1953 Hearn, W. H. .. Rock Hill, S. C.
1953 Hearn. Mrs. VV. H Rock Hill. S. C.
1951 Hearn, Vicky Nell Rock Hill, S. C.
1950 Hethtox, Mrs. R. I _ 103 Second St.
1941 Hill. Mrs. Lizzie M :....548 Fayetteville St.
1951 Hinton, Mrs. Luther, Jr Maine
1919 Hocutt, Mrs. Herbert 419 Home St.
1958 Hocutt, Quincy B _ 119 Home St.
1915 Holder, Curvis E 583 O'Neil St.
1949 Holder, Mrs. Curvis E 583 O'Neil St.
1945 Holder, Mrs. J. D 583 O'Neil St.
1937 Holder, R. M. Raleigh, N. C.
1937 Holland, Mrs. Margaret 302 Fayetteville St.
1915 Holland. Mrs. Y. M 461 Second St.
1910 Home. Ashley 233 Stallings St.
1951 Home, Mrs. Ashley .....233 Stallings St.
1941 Home. Charles W. 233 Stallings St.
1957 House. Raymond M 320 Page St.
1934 House, Mrs. Raymond M ...326 Page St.
1950 Jackson, Wilburt R. F. D. No. 2
1950 Jackson. Mrs. Wilburt ...R. F. D. No. 2
1955 Jackson, Diane R. F. D. No. 2
1955 Jackson, DeLois May R. F. D. No. 2
1955 Jackson. Darlene R. F. D. No. 2
1930 Jelleries. Nicholas Raleigh, N. C.
1952 Jelleries, Nicholas. Jr Raleigh, N. C.
1950 Jernigan, Pattie Frances ..Germany
1931 Johnson, Willie R. F. D. No. 2
1931 Johnson. Mrs. Willie R. F. D. No. 2
1915 Jones, Mrs. Clarence W R. F. D. No. 2
1937 Jones. J. Elbert 323 Blanche St.
1927 [ones, Mrs. J. Elbert 323 Blanche St.
1952 Jordan. Judy Greensboro, N. C.
1952 Jordan, Larry Greensboro, N. C.
1952 Jordan. Rachel Greensboro, N. C.
1949 Justice. Roy R. F. D. No. 2
1945 Justice. Mrs. Roy R. F. D. No. 2
1949 Justice. Gene Spencer R. F. D. No. 2
Forty-Nine
951 Justice, Paula R. F. D. No. 2
915 Keller, Mrs. Paul 315 Church St.
956 Reiki, Elisabeth 315 Church St.
950 Lamm. Mrs. Willie, fr Raleigh, X. C.
50 1 assitcr, Ayden 1) .....220 Church St.
921 Lassiter, Mrs. Ayden 1) 220 Church St.
948 Lassiter, fames D 220 Church St.
950 Lassiter. Joseph Parham .220 Church St.
957 Lee, Aubrey Gene 311 Second St.
950 Lee, Jerry Duke Four Oaks, N. C.
958 Lovelace, Curtis R. F. D. No. 1
I95S Lovelace. Mrs. Curtis R. F. D. No. 1
'5-1 Lynch, Mrs. Virginia Second St.
955 Lynch. Dayland Second St.
1955 Lynch, Julian Second St.
955 Lynch, Wayland Second St.
957 MahaHey, Billy Howard .Pythian Home
948 Mai tin, Mrs. W. C 312 Blanche St.
1953 Mayo, John W 302 Fayetteville St.
1937 Mayo, Mrs. John W 302 Fayetteville St.
1955 Mayo. Cherrill 302 Fayetteville St.
1956 Mayo, Eleanor 302 Fayetteville St.
1906 McCullers, E. Warren 105 Main St.
1943 McCullers. Mrs. E. Warren 105 Main St.
1955 Mecllin. Davis ......323 Second St.
1955 Medlin. Mrs. Davis .323 Second St.
[955 Medlin, Charles 323 Second St.
1955 Medlin, Thomas 32,'! Second St.
955 Mecllin, Ronald 323 Second St.
951 Misner, Mrs. R. H., Jr. Raleigh. X. C.
915 Mitchell. Mrs. Carl ..' ....R. F. 1). No. 2
941 Mitchell. Curtis Clayton. X. C.
911 Mitchell. Herbert 207 Main St.
955 Mitchell. Mrs. John A. 355 Second St.
945 Mitchell, Johnnie P. 529 Barbour St.
910 Mitchell, Mrs. Johnnie B. 529 Barbour St.
955 Mock. Mis. Minnie Raleigh. X. C.
915 Moore, Mis. E. M 100 Lombard St.
95S Moore. Mis. Live Clark ...Goldshoro, X. C.
915 Moore-. Jimmy Goldshoro. X. C.
955 Moore. Mis. Herman Main St.
947 Mooncyham, Mrs. C. M. 222 O'Xeil St.
920 Move. Mrs. Onia R. F. I). Xo. 2
946 Nelson, Caroline Ann Washington, D. C.
1932 Xelson, J. F 467 Second St.
Fifty
1934 Nelson. Mrs. J. E __ ...167 Second St.
1948 Nelson, Virginia 467 Second St.
1950 Newton. Elbert Clay Raleigh. N. C.
1956 Norris. Janet Sue R. F. 1). No. 2
191 1 O'Neil, Cedric Virginia
1945 O'Neil, Mrs. Cedric Virginia
1917 O'Neil. E. W 402 Fayetteville St.
1958 O'Neil, Mrs. E. W 402 Fayetteville St.
1958 O'Neil, Finest William .....402 Fayetteville St.
1958 O'Neil. Howell Watson 402 Fayetteville St.
1948 Parrish, Mrs. Mildred ....O'Neil St.
1951 Peele, Stanley _R. F. D. No. 1
1951 Peele. Mrs. Stanley R. F. 1). No. I
1950 Peele. W. R. .. R. F. I). No. 1
1950 Peele. Mrs. W. R R. F. D. No. 1
1936 Peele, W. R.. Jr. 112 O'Neil St.
1956 Peele, Mrs. W. R.. Jr. 112 O'Neil St.
1911 Penn. Mrs. W. S. 310 Fayetteville St.
1920 Penn. Ft. Col. William S .Ft. Bliss, Texas
1951 Penney, Joseph .11 Moore St.
1919 Pleasant. ' Elcoy (Tom) 218 Whitaker St.
1951 Poole, |. W. 403 Stallings St.
1954 Poole, Mrs. f. W 403 Stallings St.
1909 Pope, Mrs. Mildred B 307 Lombard St.
1915 Pounds. E. A R. F. D. No. 2
1954 Pounds, Mrs. E. A R. F. 1). No. 2
1951 Pounds. Woodson R. F. 1). No. 2
1954 Pounds. Mrs. Woodson R. F. 1). No. 2
195 I Powell, Faye Pythian Home
1946 Pruden, Cordon Raleigh, N. C.
1946 Pruden, Mis. Cordon ..Raleigh. N. C.
1943 Rasor. Brooks M. 135 Home St.
1928 Rasor. Mrs. Brooks M 135 Home St.
1953 Rasor. Mrs. J. W 135 Home St.
1917 Richardson, Sarah 461 E. Second St.
1946 Robertson. Battle M 312 Lombard St.
1898 Robertson. Mrs. B. M 30^ Lombard St.
1955 Robertson. Elizabeth Carolina 315 Home St.
1918 Robertson. John B 312 Lombard St.
1935 Robertson, Mrs. John B 312 Lombard St.
1927 Robertson. Sam E. 315 Home St.
1916 Robertson, Mrs. Sam E. 315 Home St.
1956 Rogers, Mrs. Sallie Parker 318 Fayetteville St.
1918 Rose. Mrs. L. T 329 Barbour St.
1940 Sanders. David Garner, N. C.
Fifty-One
915 Sanders, Mrs. R. W 315 Lombard St.
1928 Sanders. R. \\'.. Jr . 301 Lombard St.
9.50 Sanders. Mis. R. \Y\, Jr. .301 Lombard St.
931 Satterfield, David (.. R. F. D. No. 1
952 Satterfield, Mrs. David G R. F. D. Xo. 1
1932 Satterfield, Mrs. Shields 223 Blanche St.
934 Satterfield, Virginia Lee 223 Blanche St.
952 Sealey, fames K. __ Pythian Home
950 Sealey, Janice R. F. 1). Xo. 2
1954 Sell. Jennie V Supply, N. C.
'951 Sell. Linda ._ Pythian Home
1951 Sell, Roy Pythian Home
935 Smith. Anna ...212 Barbour St.
935 Smith. Mis. Frank 213 O'Neil St.
919 Smith. Franklin Xeil 213 O'Neil St.
915 Spikes. Lucille Raleigh, X. C.
919 Starling, Julian S. 215 Home St.
1911 Starling, Mrs. Julian S. 215 Home St.
1957 Stephenson, James 205 Lombard St.
1957 Stephenson. Mrs. James ...205 Lombard St.
1910 Stephenson, Mrs. Lonnie 205 Lombard St.
1950 Stephenson, Ray 205 Lombard St.
(955 Strickland. Sam B 321 Home St.
910 Strickland, Mrs. Sam B 321 Home St.
901 Talton, C. R 529 Second St.
915 Talton. Mrs. C. R 529 Second St.
!932 Talton, Max New Bern, X. C.
919 Turner, Colon R. F. D. Xo. 2
1949 Turner, Mrs. Colon R.F. D. No. 2
1955 Turner, Janet Lee .....R. F. D. No. 2
1911 Vinson. James T R. F. D. Xo. 1
1949 Vinson, Mrs. James T. R. F. D. Xo. 1
915 Wall, Mrs. A. B., Jr Cheyenne, Wyoming
943 Wall. Mrs. Dan ...'. 305 Flamby St.
917 Wall. Delma 220 Ellington St.
918 Wall. Mrs. Delma 220 Ellington St.
955 Wall. Edith DeLayne 120 Main St.
(918 Wall. Mrs. Robert 120 Main St.
1915 Wall, Mrs. R. A. 319 Stallings St.
1910 Wall. Wallace \ugusta. Georgia
951 Wallace, Mrs. Ernest 201 Blanche St.
95 1 Walters. Bobby Jean R. F. D. Xo. 1
954 Walters. Eunice ......R. F. D. Xo. 1
1946 Wannamaker, Mrs. Emmitt Greenwick, Conn.
951 Weathers, Hal Pythian Home
Fifly-Tzoo
North Carolina State Library
1943 Weight, Mrs. Maxine Dock! Washington, I). C.
1952 Whitley. Billy .HI 8 Blanche St.
1898 Whitley, Mrs. Nina .....215 Home St.
1955 Williams. Constance Prist ilia Raleigh. \. (',.
1951 Wilson, David 1 2o Home St.
1952 Woodbury, Robert W ...Pythian Home
1914 Young, Mrs. Garland 123 Blanche St.
1910 Young, John A 123 Blanche St.
Fifty-Three
GC 287.6 C622h
c. 2
Home Memorial Methodist Church (Clayton
The History of Home Memorial Methodist
3 3091 00237 8396
DATE DUE
GAYLORD PRINTED IN U.S.A.
267.6
C622h
Clavton N.C Home Memorial
Methodist Church. Wesleyan Ser-vice
Guild
itv^ history of Horne Memorial l
ThSeKS Church, Clayton, North
Carolina, 1859-1959
287.6
C622h
c.2
Clayton, N. C. Home Memorial . 3thodist
Church. Wesleyan Service Guild
The history of Horne Memorial Methodist
Church, Clayton, North Carolina,
1859-1959
.Kl